How To Minimize Instagram's Potential Harmful Effects

A lot is said every day about Instagram and the benefits the platform holds for business. With over 1 billion active users, Instagram is attractive to global brands.

These brands connect with massive Instagram audiences while promoting their products and services.

This is because Instagram enhances conversation and engagement. The platform allows users to upload videos and static content for others to admire and respond to.

While this is all good and well, not enough is being said about the potentially harmful effects of using Instagram. What about those who do not use the platform for business but to live out their hobbies and talents?

They often get bullied and ridiculed for their efforts. What about teenagers who use Instagram to connect with friends, only to start feeling inadequate because they keep comparing themselves to others?

No matter the reason for using Instagram, everyone must be aware of the pitfalls associated with using social media.

No one is immune to them, not ordinary people, businesses, or celebrities. And, as recently seen, not even royals are immune to them.

If you have experienced a decline in your mental health or self-esteem as a direct result of comments and incidents on Instagram, it is time to take a step back from social media.

Keep reading to find out how to maintain a healthy balance between the world of Instagram and the real one.

Being Aware of the Risks

There are more risks to consider than cyberbullying. You may not even notice it at first, but at some point, you may start comparing your Instagram efforts to those of others.

Then, you may start comparing your life to that of others. This typically happens when people scroll through highly curated Instagram feeds.

They see pictures and videos of beautiful people enjoying life to the fullest. These images may create a distorted view of reality. And, even worse, they may lead to feelings of inadequacy and envy.

Something that often happens to teenagers is that they keep looking at heavily edited photos of celebrities or influencers on Instagram and then start feeling worthless.

Unrealistic beauty standards have long hurt the younger generation, even before Instagram’s existence. The problem is that Instagram and other social media platforms make it easier to see these images because they are everywhere to start with.

Moreover, a constant stream of Instagram updates and notifications can lead to addiction. Some people feel anxious when they are away from their phones and, by default, social media for more than a few minutes.

Others experience FOMO (fear of missing out). FOMO is more than just a buzzword or hashtag. It negatively affects those who genuinely fear being left out of social experiences.

Taking Control of Your Instagram Experience

These negative consequences of excessive Instagram usage can happen to anyone, and they do. Business owners, young people, and content creators experience some form of negative fallout after constant Instagram use.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening to you.

First of all, you must curate your own Instagram feed. Do not keep following or looking at Instagram accounts that stir negative feelings. Instead, search for and follow accounts that make you feel positive and uplifted.

For instance, if you experience body image issues, find accounts run by influencers or content creators that promote acceptance and self-love.

If someone cyberbullies you, block and report them and find accounts to follow that promote mental health instead.

Secondly, you must set a time limit for yourself. There is simply no use in mindlessly scrolling through Instagram every hour of the day.

Give yourself an hour at most each day to post content and check comments or notifications. If you run a business, you can extend this to two hours. Leave the rest to your social media team and a chatbot.

You must replace excessive time spent on social media with something positive. For instance, you can focus on growing your business. Or, if you use Instagram just for personal content creation, take a break and go for a walk or have a picnic.

The goal is to break away from the screen and the images that make you feel bad or negative.

Thirdly, when interacting on Instagram during your allotted time, only engage with content that inspires or motivates you. You do not have to comment on every post, especially if it invokes negative feelings.

Also, focus on real connections beyond Instagram. Go out with friends and visit family instead of just connecting with them on Instagram.

Limit the Instagram Algorithm

Instagram's algorithm is built to keep engagement going, but you can limit it from showing the content you no longer want to see.

Do this by using the Hide button on posts that do not inspire or motivate you. And do not respond to this type of content in any way.

This will send a message to the algorithm about the content you want and do not want to see on your feed.

Take a break from the Explore page or even use Quiet Mode to pause notifications. Doing this will go a long way towards giving you more screen-free time.

Your Mental Health is More Important Than Instagram

Focusing on your mental health should be a priority over scrolling Instagram. But, as with most things, it is easier said than done.

If you suffer significantly due to online negativity or other factors, and you cannot shake the social media habit, you should consider speaking to a therapist. This is especially important if you become anxious when not using Instagram.

Make Instagram Just One Part Of a Fulfilled Life

More is needed from Instagram and other platforms to improve content moderation and clamp down on bullies. In the meantime, you can aim to make Instagram just one part of your life.

Do not make it the most important part or even a big part. Use it to connect with customers and for creativity. But do not allow the platform to take over your life.

Put your phone aside when you start scrolling mindlessly and do something else. Taking a complete break is also an option by deleting your profile and the app.

Ultimately, the power to shape your Instagram experience into a positive one lies in your hands.