Negative feedback is never constructive (thinking of one comment here). The irony is not lost on me, but I will note that a blog - this blog - is vastly different from instagram, most notably in the lack of images and built-in scrolling traps. So, I will simply say, "Thanks, Avan!".
It’s maddening being aware of the effects in real time too. Knowing it’s actively eating at your soul but feeling helpless to the addiction to the scroll. So glad you took that step for yourself and welcome back!
This is a very hypocritical statement because, as others have written, I was glad to see your name show up in my inbox again, but I don't think leaving Instagram is enough. Yes, you've acknowledged and unpacked the many ways it's made you question your self-worth, relationships, success, etc., but aside from deleting the app from your phone, what will you do about it? What's your plan to make sure you're actually present on a daily basis?
One could make the argument that even this space is tainted. Looking at the comments, they're all folks patting you on the back and validating your decision. Not inherently bad, but it's useful to think about what you want out of this blog--Is it connection and validation, but from people who are seemingly less empty because we're on substack and not IG? Or is it to share ideas, regardless of how they'll be received...or something else entirely. Again, there is no good or bad, just what is.
How you spend your days, is how you spend your life. I have deleted most of my online presence now and am looking for a brick phone to settle down with. Good for you, sir!
I'm so glad you're back. Your witty and brilliant musings and poetry about life were a rare oasis of joy and brightness in an otherwise last few bleakish years and it's about time you remembered what you can contribute to others when you're not lost and living mind-numbingly. I myself haven't had a phone and been on social media minimally for the last year. I feel I've made more headway with my personal and professional development than ever before. Here's to living and thinking freely and creatively again!!
The internet is a dark place. Tik tok tends to be my
Achilles heel. I’ve been so depressed and overwhelmed with life and it’s pressures that I just sit and scroll. I used to craft so much more but don’t have the energy really lately. Only thing I can get myself to work on currently is Saint Ivory art (to be sent to you and Ketan when it’s completed) I started over a year ago. Tbh I only was on Instagram to follow my friends shops and to follow your work so I’m glad you will be continuing to share your work on here. It always starts a conversation and makes me think. Not trying to validate or anything but just say I get it. I hope you get to the place you wish to be.
Scrolling endlessly is an addiction, especially when it starts to convince you that you're better off escaping into the media than doing the things you need to do. And so in my depressed and dark states I find myself engaging in hours of mindless scrolling, trying to escape my reality and live vicariously through the lives and successes of other people, while not acknowledging my own.
It's truly an existential problem that needs to be handled. 😪
Ah damn! I always enjoyed your Instagram so I hope it’s not permanent! I feel that way about Tik tok. Ironically I’ve been wanting to make one just to follow you but I know how addicted I’ll become with the endless scrolling. Did that shit with Vine and it just became too much. Hope to see you on here or Twitter lmao
Wow great to see you're back! Completely understand how you feel you don’t realise how addictive social media is and how much it impacts your life in an unhealthy way until it’s gone. The Art of conversation has gone because we’ve uploaded our lives every few hours..It's so easy to get carried away with people's "amazing" lives but we never realise that it takes a toll on our mental health
we just learned about the 7 sins in latin class and i have to say you wrote this beautiful! each sin was perfectly written! also taking time off Instagram and diving back into reality is always great it helps me a lot
Thank you for this. I have felt this myself many times. I have taken so many breaks away from social media because it will eat you alive if you’re not careful. One of the millions searching for something which we have no idea what it is. A purpose maybe? Which we know we will not find on our phone but damn if we keep coming back for more…we get the high we need and want, only to crash down harder and lower each time.
Negative feedback is never constructive (thinking of one comment here). The irony is not lost on me, but I will note that a blog - this blog - is vastly different from instagram, most notably in the lack of images and built-in scrolling traps. So, I will simply say, "Thanks, Avan!".
Welcome back! Also ironically this was served up to me by the algorithm gods immediately after reading this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co7uaAIJT1S/?igshid=NzAzN2Q1NTE=
You're back! Instagram's loss is our gain
It’s maddening being aware of the effects in real time too. Knowing it’s actively eating at your soul but feeling helpless to the addiction to the scroll. So glad you took that step for yourself and welcome back!
This is a very hypocritical statement because, as others have written, I was glad to see your name show up in my inbox again, but I don't think leaving Instagram is enough. Yes, you've acknowledged and unpacked the many ways it's made you question your self-worth, relationships, success, etc., but aside from deleting the app from your phone, what will you do about it? What's your plan to make sure you're actually present on a daily basis?
One could make the argument that even this space is tainted. Looking at the comments, they're all folks patting you on the back and validating your decision. Not inherently bad, but it's useful to think about what you want out of this blog--Is it connection and validation, but from people who are seemingly less empty because we're on substack and not IG? Or is it to share ideas, regardless of how they'll be received...or something else entirely. Again, there is no good or bad, just what is.
How you spend your days, is how you spend your life. I have deleted most of my online presence now and am looking for a brick phone to settle down with. Good for you, sir!
I'm so glad you're back. Your witty and brilliant musings and poetry about life were a rare oasis of joy and brightness in an otherwise last few bleakish years and it's about time you remembered what you can contribute to others when you're not lost and living mind-numbingly. I myself haven't had a phone and been on social media minimally for the last year. I feel I've made more headway with my personal and professional development than ever before. Here's to living and thinking freely and creatively again!!
The internet is a dark place. Tik tok tends to be my
Achilles heel. I’ve been so depressed and overwhelmed with life and it’s pressures that I just sit and scroll. I used to craft so much more but don’t have the energy really lately. Only thing I can get myself to work on currently is Saint Ivory art (to be sent to you and Ketan when it’s completed) I started over a year ago. Tbh I only was on Instagram to follow my friends shops and to follow your work so I’m glad you will be continuing to share your work on here. It always starts a conversation and makes me think. Not trying to validate or anything but just say I get it. I hope you get to the place you wish to be.
Abdication of appearance's ownership... how punchy. I like it. Welcome back indeed.
Scrolling endlessly is an addiction, especially when it starts to convince you that you're better off escaping into the media than doing the things you need to do. And so in my depressed and dark states I find myself engaging in hours of mindless scrolling, trying to escape my reality and live vicariously through the lives and successes of other people, while not acknowledging my own.
It's truly an existential problem that needs to be handled. 😪
Welcome back! Had a day of scrolling the godforsaken reels a few days ago. Usually I can stop myself but hours of it? Maybe this is The wake up call.
thank you for coming back!! your presence was missed and noted sir
Ah damn! I always enjoyed your Instagram so I hope it’s not permanent! I feel that way about Tik tok. Ironically I’ve been wanting to make one just to follow you but I know how addicted I’ll become with the endless scrolling. Did that shit with Vine and it just became too much. Hope to see you on here or Twitter lmao
Wow great to see you're back! Completely understand how you feel you don’t realise how addictive social media is and how much it impacts your life in an unhealthy way until it’s gone. The Art of conversation has gone because we’ve uploaded our lives every few hours..It's so easy to get carried away with people's "amazing" lives but we never realise that it takes a toll on our mental health
we just learned about the 7 sins in latin class and i have to say you wrote this beautiful! each sin was perfectly written! also taking time off Instagram and diving back into reality is always great it helps me a lot
Thank you for this. I have felt this myself many times. I have taken so many breaks away from social media because it will eat you alive if you’re not careful. One of the millions searching for something which we have no idea what it is. A purpose maybe? Which we know we will not find on our phone but damn if we keep coming back for more…we get the high we need and want, only to crash down harder and lower each time.