Filmmaker Karan Johar is known for his Instagram game, with his lively posts and updates. From someone who dearly shares his outfits and movie announcements, he recently shared a sentiment that many of us can relate to. According to Johar, Instagram has become a place of overwhelming news that triggers anxiety from constant exposure to ‘bad news’ on our feeds. Taking to his Instagram story this Monday, he revealed he's seriously considering a social media detox, stating, "Is everyone else getting anxious seeing only bad news on the gram??? Have seriously considered a detox!"
His honest confession resonates in a time when our online lives become increasingly filled with troubling news. From international crises to neighbourhood tragedies, the amount of negative information can be too much. According to the reports, the world of entertainment has lost two veteran actors, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and ageing actress Saroja Devi, on Sunday, July 13 and Monday, July 14. It is a grim reminder that although social media keeps us connected, it is also a continuous channel for the world's woes, which tends to leave us drained and apprehensive.
How to Detox Your Instagram for Improved Mental Health
Karan Johar's reflection on detox emphasises an increasing demand for responsible use of social media. If you resonate with his feelings, the following are some practical steps to detox your Instagram and cope with social media anxiety:
1. Curate Your Feed Proactively
Own your view. Unfollow those accounts that regularly post material that causes anxiety or negativity. Find accounts that post uplifting, inspiring, or educational content that actually enriches your day. Don't forget, your feed is yours to craft.
2. Set Time Limits
It's simple to get carried away and scroll. Use Instagram's own ‘Your Activity’ feature or your phone's digital well-being features to set an app time limit for each day. When you reach your limit, shut down the app and do something offline.
3. Designate ‘No-Scroll’ Zones/Times
Set times or areas where social media is off-limits. This may be during mealtime, an hour before you go to bed, or while spending quality time with loved ones. Setting these boundaries allows you to disconnect and be present.
4. Be Conscious of Your Use
Take a moment to consider why you're opening the app before you do. Are you seeking connection, entertainment, or simply scrolling mindlessly? Being conscious of your purpose can make you utilise the platform more intentionally.
5. Engage On Purpose (or Not at All)
Don't just automatically consume because we know we seldom do. Decide when and how you engage. If a post is making you anxious or uncomfortable, fight the temptation to obsess over it. You can silence accounts without unfollowing them if you want a break.
6. Prioritise Real-World Connections
Don't forget that social networking is an instrument, not a replacement for face-to-face human communication. Make efforts to go out and meet friends and family, do hobbies, or do things that make you happy without using a screen.
7. Take a Whole Break
As Karan Johar is contemplating, sometimes one wants to take a complete detox. Even a brief break of a few days or a week can totally reset your relationship with the platform and cut down on feelings of overwhelm.
In an age where information is constantly at our fingertips, it's crucial to acknowledge the impact it has on our mental health. If even a highly active celebrity like Karan Johar is feeling the pressure, it's a clear sign that a mindful approach to our social media habits is not just an option, but a necessity. Taking steps to curate your digital environment can lead to a calmer, more balanced well-being.