Summary

The author, D. A. Rutherford, shares their transformative experience after deleting Instagram from their phone, leading to increased productivity, better sleep, enhanced happiness, and improved focus.

Abstract

D. A. Rutherford recounts the unexpected loss of functionality on their phone's screen, which led to the realization that they no longer needed Instagram in their life. Despite the potential loss of data, they decided to let go of the app, which had been a source of distraction and discontent. The decision resulted in significant improvements in their daily life, including heightened productivity, a healthier sleep pattern, a more joyful demeanor, and a greater ability to focus. Rutherford encourages readers to listen to "Since I Left You" by The Avalanches to capture the essence of their post-Instagram liberation and invites readers to support their writing by becoming Medium members.

Opinions

The author views Instagram as an addictive and potentially negative influence, akin to drugs or alcohol, due to the language used around its engagement.
They acknowledge the utility of Instagram for advertising and business but question its relevance and benefit to personal life.
Rutherford expresses a sense of relief and immediate improvement in well-being after deleting the app, suggesting a strong link between social media use and personal happiness.
The author believes in the value of selective data storage, preferring to choose what to save rather than relying on blanket cloud storage solutions.
They see the end of their Instagram use as an opportunity for a new beginning, indicating a positive outlook on change and its potential benefits.
Rutherford suggests that the freedom from constant social media connectivity can lead to a more fulfilling and focused life.

Productivity | Health | Social Media

I removed Instagram from my phone and this happened…

I can’t believe I waited this long to do it.

Is this your bag?

“Great…”

I thought as the TSA agent pulled my backpack from the conveyor belt of luggage heading out of the X-ray machine.

He X-rayed my bag once more before handing it over. Scrambling to put on my shoes, I worried that my computer had sustained some significant bumps in the process.

However, my gratitude for thorough security checks at the airport quickly outweighed my attitude.

But, the real party started when I sat down at my gate and found that the bottom 75% of my phone’s screen, no longer worked.

Frozen pixels mixed with several attempts at entering the passcode were the perfect recipe to temporarily disable the phone.

However, it was my phoneless departure that brought about the best realization.

“If we open it, you’ll lose everything.”

The dreaded words above were spoken by an Apple employee the next day.

Since I like to live on the edge, my last iCloud backup was in 2017. Wise? Probably not. But, I don’t like paying for blanket storage; I’d rather pick and choose what matters most and transfer just that.

With almost 10,000 photos, countless contacts, conversations, and many other precious memories stored in that little, old phone… it was time to let it all go.

Sure, it was a little inconvenient. But, endings are just the doorways to new beginnings.

I don’t want Instagram anymore.

The truth is, I don’t really like Instagram. I also find it soberingly creepy that when we refer to the platform, we collectively use the same vocabulary associated with drugs, alcohol, and other addictive substances.

Are you on Instagram?

How often do you use Instagram?

Now, I can see its usefulness in the context of advertising and business; but, I could no longer justify its applicability in my life. I had toyed with the idea of deleting Instagram off my phone for a while now and under the present circumstances… Well, it was quite literally a God-sent.

Life On The Otherside

With determination, I marched myself over to the phone, picked it up, and deleted the app.

I can honestly report that the second the sunset-colored square disappeared from under my index finger, I felt something lift from me and instantaneously I felt better.

In the days that followed, I had a couple of phone grabs where I caught myself swiping across the screen; intuitively searching for the platform. Then, my subconscious recalled that no matter how much I scrolled, I’d never find it.

What happened after the initial withdrawal was nothing short of magnificent.

The Post-Breakup Party

There are four distinct areas where I see a spectacular difference, since deleting the app.

1. Productivity

The difference is night and day. I get more work done and with greater inspiration. I have less incentive to look at my phone and while I’m at work, I actually feel more fulfilled.

2. Sleep

I have struggled with getting enough sleep since senior year in college, and while many factors contributed to a sustained lack of sleep, I’ve noticed an improvement in the time I now go to sleep. It’s hours earlier than it use to be. I’m still working on being consistent in this area; but, the deletion of the app has definitely increased the success of my sleeping schedule. Especially, since I looked at Instagram the most at night.

3. Happiness

The shift has brought about a significant increase in the joy I experience on a daily basis. I feel better about myself and how I’m spending my free time. I didn’t like having my face buried in a screen, and now I don’t. I feel free and carry a lighter heart.

4. Focus

Perhaps the most amazing change, the distractive pull from whatever I’m doing has all but vanished. I feel like I’m back to how I use to focus years ago. The flickers of distraction I feel when I’m working are just that, and after a second or two they dim and burn out. The new focus I enjoy feels like it’s adding years to my life, God willing.

I’m Feelin’ It.

It’s hard, to sum up exactly how grateful I am to have deleted Instagram from my phone; and while I can outline the positive impacts the breakup has had on my life, my true feelings are better expressed by the little tune entitled “Since I Left You” by The Avalanches.

Go listen to it.

Much Love,

D. A. Rutherford

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