In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Instagram have become integral parts of our lives. However, there are times when taking a break from social media can be beneficial for your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you need a temporary break or a more permanent solution, this guide will walk you through how to deactivate your Instagram account.

The Anxious Generation

In his book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt explores the psychological impacts of social media on the younger generation. According to Haidt, social media platforms like Instagram contribute significantly to rising anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among teens and young adults.

Comparison Culture: Instagram's visual nature promotes a culture of comparison, where users constantly measure their lives against the often idealized and filtered lives of others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): The constant stream of updates and events can make users feel like they are missing out, contributing to anxiety and a constant need to stay connected.
Sleep Disruption: Late-night scrolling can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and associated health issues.
Cyberbullying: The anonymity and distance provided by social media can lead to increased instances of cyberbullying, affecting mental health and well-being.

Understanding these potential harms is the first step in taking control of your social media usage. If you're finding that Instagram is negatively impacting your mental health, it might be time to consider deactivating your account.

How to Deactivate Instagram

If you’re not ready to permanently delete your Instagram account but need a break, deactivating your account is a good option. Here’s how to do it:

Log in to Instagram: Open Instagram in a web browser (you cannot deactivate your account from the mobile app).
Go to Your Profile: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select 'Profile'.
Edit Profile: Click on the 'Edit Profile' button next to your username.
Deactivate Account: Scroll down and click on 'Temporarily disable my account' in the bottom right.
Select Reason: Choose a reason for deactivating your account from the dropdown menu.
Re-enter Password: Re-enter your password to confirm.
Deactivate: Click 'Temporarily Disable Account' to complete the process.

Your account is now deactivated and will remain hidden until you log back in.

Parent’s Guide to Instagram

As parents, understanding the impact of Instagram on your children is crucial. Meghan Markle's work with the Archwell Foundation provides valuable resources to navigate this digital landscape, including the Parent’s Guide to Instagram. Here are some points to consider:

Setting Boundaries: Establish clear rules around social media usage, including time limits and appropriate content.
Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue about the content they see and interact with on Instagram. Understanding their online experiences can help you guide them better.
Privacy Settings: Teach your children about the importance of privacy settings. Make sure their accounts are private and they know how to manage followers and block unwanted interactions.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor their activity without invading their privacy. Look out for signs of distress or changes in behavior that might indicate negative impacts from social media use.

By following these guidelines, parents can help mitigate the negative effects of social media and support their children in developing healthy online habits.

Insta… Mental Wellness?

Deactivating your Instagram account can be a necessary step towards better mental health and well-being. Understanding the impact of social media can help you and your family navigate the digital world more safely and healthily. Whether it’s a temporary break or a step towards more mindful usage, deactivating your Instagram account can be a positive move towards regaining control of your digital life.

Written by Geoff Weber