Why I Deleted Instagram for 3 Months
Happy New Year my friend! As I sit here at my desk in a little wonky house on a quiet street in Sydney, I can’t help but feel super friggin’ excited for all the possibilities that lay ahead, not just for me, but for you too.
But before diving headfirst into the new year, I wanted to share a little something I tried at the end of last year: I deleted Instagram for the final three months of 2024. I had already been spending less time on the app prior to this, trying to escape the endless scroll and the constant comparisons, but I wondered… what would happen if I completely stepped away? No more half-measures, just... silence.
Admittedly, at first, it felt strange - unsettling, even. I wondered if my community might disappear, if my art might vanish into the digital mist, unseen and forgotten… but those fears were precisely why I needed to disconnect, and spoiler alert: Instagram didn’t crumble. In fact, it didn’t change at all.
The Bittersweet Truth
Sharing my art on Instagram has always been this mixed bag of joy and frustration. On one hand, it’s incredible to connect with people who resonate with my work and have a community of like-minded people to talk to. On the other, the constant battle of trying to get my art seen feels something akin to yelling into a dark cave and only hearing your own echo… “is there anybody out there… out there… out there…”.
Stepping away gave me something I didn’t realise I needed: the freedom to create without worrying about being seen. Suddenly, there was no one to compare myself to but little old me. I pulled out my earlier works and held them up against my newer pieces. The difference was staggering. For the first time in a while, I could see my growth clearly… proof that I’m heading in the right direction and my decision to step away from photography was justified.
During the three months I spent disconnected, something unexpected happened: my creativity and productivity soared. Without the constant buzz of notifications and the need to document every detail, I could just be with my work. The ideas came more freely, evolving at their own pace. I rediscovered the joy of creating for the sake of it… of sitting with a half-formed idea, letting it breathe, and watching it unfold naturally. I swear, I got more done in those three months than I did the 9 months prior. That’s got to mean something right?
Rediscovering the Real World
It’s a little embarrassing to admit how much time Instagram had stolen from my real-world connections. Evenings that could have been spent chatting with Chris or sinking into a good book too often were replaced by endless scrolling.
Without my phone constantly vying for my attention, I reconnected with life offline. I spent quality time with Chris, enjoyed quiet moments of stillness, and relished in the simple joy of being present.
The Lonely Side of Letting Go
Despite all the positives, there was one downside though: loneliness. I missed the sense of community, the encouragement, and the meaningful exchanges with those who support me online. There were moments when I felt isolated and I questioned if pulling away was the right choice. I missed sharing my journey, even if posting sometimes felt overwhelming.
But, despite the loneliness, I learned something valuable: my art, and my identity as an artist, doesn’t depend on likes or comments and those who truly connect with me and my art will still be there when I return.
The World Beyond the Screen
Overall, taking time off from social media helped me reconnect with what matters most: myself, my loved ones, my art. While Instagram is an amazing tool for sharing, at the end of the day, it’s just that - a tool. It’s not a substitute for real-world experiences, deep relationships, or self-reflection. Now, as I return to Instagram, I’m doing so with healthier boundaries in place. I’ve realised I don’t need it as much as I once thought.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the loop of online life, here’s my advice: unplug for a bit. Start small if you have to - a day, a weekend - and see where it takes you, however, I do encourage an extended break to get more out of it. Look around, breathe deeply, and notice the beauty that’s been waiting for you. You might just find that what you’ve been searching for isn’t on your screen, it’s right in front of you when you look up from it.
Here’s to a year of creating, connecting, and rediscovering the magic of the real world.
Until next time,
P.S. Thinking about taking a break but haven’t yet? Share what’s holding you back in the comments! And if you’ve taken a break before, I’d love to hear about your experience. Was it worth it for you? Let me know below.
