Today, social media platforms are a huge part of our lives. If you look around you, you’re likely to see most people on their phones or digitally connected in some way. Instagram is one of those platforms that many of us can’t go a single day without checking. If you’re addicted to Instagram, you’ll be unable to stop using it even when you want to.
So, it’s important to judge the tipping point before your usage gets out of control. Here are a few signs that your Instagram usage may be bordering on addiction.
You Make Checking Instagram a Priority
Are you in the habit of checking your feed as soon as you wake up in the morning? Or you can’t wait to get home and check your Instagram activity? Making Instagram a priority and setting aside time for it every day could be a warning sign. If you find yourself doing this many times a day or even several times an hour, it may be time to rein in your usage.
You Turn to Instagram When You’re Sad or Bored
It’s not healthy to use Instagram as a distraction when you’re feeling low. People develop unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and binge eating for the same reasons. Becoming dependent on Instagram to make you feel better is not a good thing. When you’re feeling down in the dumps, it may seem like this is the answer to your problems. But it will never be. In fact, it could even end up making you feel worse when you start comparing yourself to others.
You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
Not being able to access Instagram can actually cause withdrawal symptoms, similar to those experienced with drugs and alcohol. The signs are more emotional than physical. For instance, if you’re addicted to Instagram, you may start feeling irritable and short-tempered when you haven’t checked it in a while. Or you may feel like you’re missing out on something and need to catch up with the rest of the world as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
The best way to keep your Instagram usage in check is by setting boundaries for yourself. An Instagram addiction can take up a lot of your time, without you even realizing it.
Commit to only checking Instagram once or twice a day. It can be difficult at first, but you’ll soon get used to it. By breaking this bad habit, you can spend your extra time on more productive pursuits.
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