I deleted Instagram ...

... and started to feel better within a few days.

I find myself there sometimes. It’s not new and I’ve always found a way out, eventually. This time, I had a realisation that was new.

I don’t know what your social media feeds look like, mine consists for a large part of:

• artists I admire

• climate and social justice activists.

On my good days, I can look at other artist’s work and simply enjoy their art. When I’m down, not so much. Meanwhile, all the injustice in the world is making me feel like I should simply be grateful and fight for people who are not so fortunate. All of this is giving me an emotional whiplash every time I unlock my phone.

It’s one thing to be aware that the world is not fair. It’s another to roll around in it all day long. So I deleted Instagram from my phone. I haven’t missed it. Sometimes I pick up my phone, remember I have nothing to look at. I’ll scroll Pinterest for a bit, but since that’s not nearly as addictive, I simply put my phone away. Imagine that.

I haven’t decided how to move forward. Part of me wants to delete my account and focus entirely on this newsletter here on Substack. Another part is not so keen on losing an audience that I spent years to build.

I’m curious to know what your thoughts are. How does your social media consumption make you feel? Are you worried about privacy, AI or other issues with these companies? Do you think Substack is better or just more of the same? Let me know and don’t forget to like and subscribe 😜

With love,