Spoiler: Yes, I don’t have an Instagram. No, I’m not on some social media detox, nor am I an international crime lord or secret agent.
On an extremely average Tuesday, one of my sorority sisters asked me, “Why can’t I find you on here?” She and I had just hit it off at lunch one day and she was planning on following me on Instagram, a true token of her friendship. Disaster struck when I said, “Because I don’t have one.” Immediately, I could see the waves of shock and confusion fly across her face. She meant no harm but her thought process was clear: Who the hell is this girl and why doesn’t she have an Instagram? This scenario has happened to me at least a hundred times. I constantly get verbally attacked and questioned for why I don’t have one as if it’s a big public statement. Sometimes people applaud me for not having one — as if I’m on a diet and pass up a cookie. I’m not looking for anyone’s approval though; that’s not why. Honestly, the main reason I don’t have an Instagram is that I don’t want one. Yes, that sounds abrasive but seriously, it’s not something I desire in my life.
One of the ideas surrounding social media is that it is making you more social (because duh, it’s in the name) but for me, it doesn’t do that. Whenever I get uncomfortable in any situation, whether I’m alone at Dunkin Donuts or in a class I don’t have any friends in, I find myself scrolling through Snapchat stories until I run out of them. I hate that I use it as a crutch. I feel like having an Instagram would make this harder because it’s another thing to check constantly. I know I sound like your grandparents but I think it’s more important to be social and make connections in real life. I would rather force myself to socialize and meet people than “double tap” everything in sight. How many people can you say that follow you and constantly like your picture are actually real friends, the kind you trust with your most embarrassing stories and darkest secrets? That brings me to another reason, is anything on Instagram real? Every screenshot I have ever seen in Cosmopolitan and Refinery 29 article, shows bloggers and models and even girls my age, looking absolutely flawless and living a seemingly perfect life.
Courtesy: Instagram
That seems so unrealistic. Seeing that frequently would definitely negatively shake my confidence. I know that body positivity has become a more trending topic so I’m sure it’s on there more now. Even then, I don’t think it’s enough. How often do you remember an insult someone called you versus a compliment? I personally know I remember insults way more. Similarly, I would remember pictures that made me feel negatively more than positively. I know I have said things that might make you collegiettes question social media, but I’m not trying to talk you into deleting your account or keep you from making one. With that being said, Instagram is not the right choice for me but for all of you collegiettes that love it, keep on doing what you love!