Ever heard the saying, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey?”
Well, it seems like for some people, the Instagram journey is all about the likes. The more they get, the more they crave. Can you relate?
Now, don’t get me wrong.
There’s no harm in seeking validation or appreciation. But what if this pursuit starts controlling your actions and moods? Could it be that you’re overly concerned with Instagram likes?
Let’s delve a little deeper.
You see, sometimes we unknowingly exhibit behaviors that are indicative of an unhealthy Instagram obsession. And trust me, it’s more common than you think.
Remember, recognizing the problem is the first step towards resolution. Let’s dive in and see if any of these behaviors ring a bell.
Note: This isn’t about shaming or blaming. It’s about understanding our digital habits better and fostering healthier social media interactions. So, no hard feelings, okay? Let’s get started!
1) You’re constantly checking your phone
Ever found yourself mindlessly reaching for your phone every few minutes?
If so, you’re not alone.
While it’s completely normal to check your notifications from time to time, constantly refreshing your Instagram feed in anticipation of new likes could be a sign of being overly concerned.
Here’s the thing.
Your self-worth isn’t defined by the number of double-taps you receive on a photo. It’s about who you are as a person, and how you make others feel.
And guess what?
Life is happening outside that digital screen. Don’t let the chase for virtual hearts rob you of your real-world experiences. Remember, those Instagram likes are just tiny pixels on a screen – they don’t have the power to define your worth unless you allow them to.
2) You feel upset when a post underperforms
I remember this one time, I posted what I thought was a fantastic picture of my homemade blueberry pie. I’d spent hours on it, carefully crafting the lattice crust, and was super proud of the result.
But, to my surprise, the photo didn’t get as many likes as I’d expected.
I recall feeling disappointed, even a bit embarrassed. I couldn’t help but wonder if people didn’t appreciate my baking skills. It was a strange feeling, and it took me some time to get over it.
The truth is, we often equate the success of a post with our personal success, which isn’t healthy.
It’s important to remember that not every post will be a hit. And that’s okay. Your value is not measured by the popularity of your posts.
3) You plan your day around the ‘peak’ Instagram hours
Is your daily schedule dictated by the most active hours on Instagram? And do you often find yourself sacrificing sleep or personal time to ensure you post when most of your followers are online?
I’ve been there.
There was a time when I would set alarms for those ‘golden’ Instagram hours, disrupting my sleep or even social gatherings, just to make sure I posted at the right time. My day revolved around these slots, and I convinced myself that it was a small price to pay for the influx of likes.
But here’s what I learned.
Instagram should enhance your life, not run it.
Life is full of beautiful moments that deserve to be lived fully, not scheduled around an app. So let’s strive to strike a balance between our real lives and our digital ones. After all, what good are those likes if they come at the cost of our peace and happiness?
4) Crafting the ‘perfect’ caption consumes you
Do you spend hours, maybe even days, mulling over the perfect caption?
You know, the one that’s witty yet profound, casual yet captivating, and sure to rake in the likes. And once you post it, do you find yourself second-guessing your choice of words, or comparing your caption to others’?
It’s a sneaky trap many of us fall into.
We overthink to the point where a simple task becomes an overwhelming process. Suddenly, sharing a snapshot of our lives becomes a high-pressure project.
Let’s remember, Instagram is about authenticity and connection. It’s not about crafting a Pulitzer-worthy caption that impresses everyone. Sometimes, the most simple and genuine words resonate the most with people.
So next time you’re stressing over that perfect caption, take a step back and remind yourself: It’s not about perfection, it’s about expression.
5) You delete posts that don’t get enough likes
Removing a post because it didn’t garner the expected likes? If this sounds familiar, you’re part of a surprisingly large group.
According to research, a staggering 46% of people have deleted or edited an Instagram post due to a low number of likes.
But let’s pause and reflect for a moment.
Isn’t Instagram supposed to be a visual diary of our journey, our memories, our milestones? When we start deleting “unpopular” posts, we’re essentially erasing parts of our narrative, simply because they weren’t validated by others.
So here’s a thought.
Instead of focusing on the like count, let’s try to cherish the memories each post captures. After all, isn’t that what Instagram was initially created for?
6) You compare your likes with others
Ever found yourself scrolling through a friend’s Instagram profile, counting their likes and comparing them with yours?
I get it. It’s easy to slip into the comparison trap on social media.
Seeing your friend’s post garner more likes can make you feel like you’re in a never-ending popularity contest. And that’s a tough place to be, trust me.
But here’s the gentle truth.
Likes are not a measure of your worth or likability. They’re simply a reflection of an algorithm, timing, and countless other factors that are beyond your control.
So instead of comparing, let’s celebrate our friends’ well-received posts while appreciating our own unique journey.
7) Your mood is tied to your likes
Here’s the crux of it all.
If your happiness or self-esteem fluctuates with the number of likes you receive, it’s time for a reality check.
It’s perfectly natural to feel a rush of joy when your post is appreciated. But if a low like count sends you spiraling into self-doubt or sadness, it’s indicative of an unhealthy reliance on external validation.
Your worth is not, and never will be, determined by a like count on Instagram. You are so much more than the sum of your social media interactions.
Remember, genuine self-worth comes from within, not from the validation of others in the digital sphere. Be kind to yourself and remember that real life is happening outside your screen, not inside it.
Wrapping up
If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, it’s probable that Instagram likes have more influence over you than they should.
But don’t worry, this doesn’t have to define your social media experience.
Being aware of these behaviors is the important first step. Now that you’ve identified them, you can start to change. Start by noticing when your mood hinges on likes or when you’re sacrificing real-life moments for Instagram.
Ask yourself – is this worth my peace of mind? Do these likes truly define my worth? Am I living my life for myself or for Instagram?
It won’t be an overnight transformation. It takes time and patience to break patterns.
But remember, you are so much more than a like count. You’re a unique individual with a life that’s worth living beyond the screen. Every time you choose real-life experiences over digital validation, you’re taking a step towards a healthier relationship with social media.
The goal isn’t to quit Instagram, but rather to use it in a way that adds to your life, not controls it.
So go ahead, post that photo because it captures a moment you love, not because you think it’ll gain likes. Celebrate your friends’ successes without comparing them to yours. Remember, your worth isn’t determined by digital hearts but by the real-life ones you touch.
With time and conscious effort, you can turn Instagram back into what it was meant to be – a platform for connection, inspiration and self-expression. And isn’t that a more rewarding way to use social media?
