There are two major reasons why I refuse to join Instagram :
1.The Comparison Trap:
It’s hard to ignore the pang of jealousy that creeps in when you see people you know living their "best life" on Instagram—whether it’s them attending the concert of your favorite artist, being part of a social gathering you weren’t invited to or even achieving goals that you never knew you wanted to achieve. These posts often create a false sense of perfection.
We start measuring our own lives against these highlight reels/stories, even though deep down, we know social media is a curated version of reality. Still, it triggers feelings of inadequacy and the painful sense of missing out. This constant comparison chips away at your self-worth, leaving you feeling less confident and more isolated , even if you logically know it's not the full picture.
2.The REEL Addiction:
Then there’s the other side of the coin: the addictive pull of Instagram's never-ending stream of Reels.
If you're one of the lucky few who can resist this time sink, good for you. But for many, it’s a black hole for productivity.
You scroll mindlessly, promising yourself you'll get back to work in "just five minutes" . But those five minutes turn into an hour, then two, and before you know it, the day slips away. This procrastination slowly erodes your ability to take action. It drains your motivation, causing you to delay important tasks, which further damages your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
The Exception:
That said, Life isn’t binary — at least I refuse to believe it is.
I believe that there is one valid reason for creating a personal Instagram account: building your brand. I’m not talking about just being a model or influencer. Rather, if you have a craft or passion — whether you're an F1 driver, a social activist, an environmentalist, an artist, or a musician — and you want to showcase your dedication to that specific pursuit, then Instagram can undoubtedly be a powerful tool.
In this case, you’re using the platform not as a consumer but rather as a creator with a clear purpose. The number of times you’ll mindlessly open Instagram out of boredom will be far fewer compared to the average user. And with that sense of purpose, you're not only mostly immune to the comparison trap but also shielded from the addictive pull of Reels.
You’re on the platform for a reason and that makes all the difference.
Conclusion:
While Instagram has its downsides, like the traps of comparison and mindless scrolling, the real key lies in how you use it. If you’re approaching it with a clear purpose — whether to build a brand, showcase a passion, or to contribute to society — Instagram can be a powerful tool rather than a source of distraction.
Ultimately, it’s about being intentional. Use the platform to serve your goals, not to diminish your self-worth.