Welcome to our digital detoxing series! A series on how to stop addiction to Fortnite, Facebook, Instagram, Porn, Netflix, Youtube, Tinder… (find them all here).Today, let’s talk about how to quit the instagram addiction.
- What is the instagram addiction?
- What is considered instagram addiction?
- How much instagram is too much?
- Do instagram addiction facts & statistics exist?
- Symptoms & Causes of the instagram addiction
- Symptoms & Signs of instagram addiction
- Possible causes of instagram dependency
- Why is instagram so addictive?
- Problem, bad effects & consequences of instagram
- creating general health problems
- affecting your brain & mental health
- affecting your relationships
- How to stop your instagram addiction
- Main steps and solutions to break the instagram addiction
- Best instagram blocker apps & software
- Best books to quit instagram
- where to seek extra help?
- Conclusion
Am I Addicted To instagram?
About instagram

Instagram is a social networking app made for sharing photos and videos from a smartphone.
Addiction to instagram, a “real” addiction?
Officially an addiction?
First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes instagram addiction?
There is no formal diagnosis of “Instagram addiction” in the DSM-5. However,some mental health professionals may consider excessive use of social media, including Instagram, to be a symptom of other underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
So what is the definition of “instagram addiction”?
Instagram addiction can be defined as a condition in which a person becomes obsessed with using the Instagram app. This can lead to them spending hours on the app every day, often to the detriment of their work, school, or social life. In severe cases, it can even lead to people becoming isolated and withdrawn from the real world.
What is considered instagram addiction?
- 1. You can’t go more than an hour without checking Instagram.
- 2. You spend more time on Instagram than you do talking to people in person.
- 3. You get anxious or irritable when you’re not able to check Instagram.
- 4. You’ve missed important events because you were too busy scrolling through your feed.
- 5. You check Instagram first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed.
- 6. You feel like you need to take pictures of everything you do to post on Instagram.
- 7. You’ve posted more than 10 pictures of yourself in the last week.
- 8. You frequently compare your life to others’ lives that you see on Instagram.
- 9. You’ve posted more than 50 pictures in the last month.
- 10. You feel like you can’t enjoy something unless you’re able to share it on Instagram.
How much instagram is too much?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it varies from person to person. Some people may find that spending a few hours on Instagram is perfectly fine, while others may feel that it is excessive and start to feel negative effects after only spending a short amount of time on the app. It is important to be aware of how you feel after using Instagram and to make sure that it is not negatively impacting your life in any way. If you find that you are spending too much time on Instagram, or that it is causing you anxiety or depression, it may be best to limit your use of the app or take a break from it altogether.
Some Social media addiction facts & statistics

There is no definitive answer to this question as it is difficult to quantify addiction. However, some studies suggest that social media addiction is a real and growing problem. A 2012 survey of 2,500 young adults found that one in eight respondents felt they were addicted to social media. Another study, published in 2014, found that social media addiction was more common in women than men, and that it was associated with lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Is the instagram addiction widespread?
We cannot provide an exact number of people addicted to Instagram. However, studies have shown that social media addiction, including Instagram, is a growing concern. It can affect people’s mental health, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. According to a survey by the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK, Instagram is ranked as the worst social media platform for mental health and well-being. Therefore, it is essential to use social media in moderation and take breaks when needed to maintain a healthy balance.
Symptoms & Causes of the instagram addiction
Why is instagram so addictive?
Some experts believe that Instagram is addictive because it triggers the same part of the brain that is activated by drugs and alcohol. When people use Instagram, they get a rush of dopamine, which is a feel-good chemical. This can make people feel happy and crave more of the same.
Possible causes of instagram dependency
There is no one single cause of Instagram addiction. However, some factors that may contribute to the development of an addiction to Instagram include:
-A need for approval or validation from others
-A need to feel connected to others
-A need to feel popular or important
-Low self-esteem
-A history of addiction or other mental health disorders
Signs & Symptoms of instagram addiction
Now let’s see if you have the instagram addiction problem
- 1. You spend more time on Instagram than you do on any other social media platform.
- 2. You have more than one Instagram account.
- 3. You are constantly checking your Instagram feed.
- 4. You post multiple times a day.
- 5. You have a large number of followers.
- 6. You frequently like and comment on other people’s photos.
- 7. You spend a lot of time curating your own feed.
Problems, impacts & bad effects of instagram: should you quit your instagram addiction?

What are some benefits of instagram
Some advantages of Instagram are that it can help you connect with friends and family, share photos and experiences, and stay up-to-date on current events.
Additionally, Instagram can be a great way to discover new products, services, and businesses.But at the opposite, what can be some instagram addiction problems addicts suffer from?
general health problems
There is no definitive answer to this question as the effects of Instagram on one’s health will vary from person to person. Some people may find that using Instagram helps them to connect with friends and family, which can boost their mood and overall sense of wellbeing. Others may find that looking at other people’s photos and comparing their own lives to others can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether the positives or negatives of using Instagram outweigh the other.
instagram and sleep disorder
We cannot provide a definitive answer as there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking Instagram directly to sleep disorders or problems. However, excessive use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers before bed can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and lead to sleep problems. The blue light emitted by these devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Additionally, the constant stimulation and engagement with social media can also contribute to stress and anxiety, which can further disrupt sleep. It is recommended to limit screen time before bed and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to promote healthy sleep habits.
instagram affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?
Some effects of instagram on your brain
- 1. You lose track of time.
- 2. You become more self-conscious.
- 3. You compare yourself to others.
- 4. You start to believe that everyone’s life is perfect except yours.
- 5. You become addicted to the validation you get from likes and comments.
- 6. You become obsessed with taking the perfect photo.
- 7. You start to edit your life to make it look more exciting.
- 8. You become less present in the moment.
- 9. You miss out on real life experiences.
- 10. You end up feeling disappointed and empty.
Some effects of instagram on your mental health
While Instagram can be a great way to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and document memories, it can also have a negative impact on your mental health. Studies have shown that extended use of social media, including Instagram, can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
One of the main ways Instagram negatively affects mental health is by causing users to compare themselves to others. When you scroll through your feed, you’re likely to see pictures of people who seem to be living perfect lives. This can lead you to compare your own life to those you see on Instagram, and feel like you’re falling short.
Instagram can also cause FOMO, or the fear of missing out. You may see posts about fun events that you weren’t invited to, or pictures of friends hanging out without you. This can make you feel left out and isolated.
Spending too much time on Instagram can also lead to “zombie scrolling”, where you mindlessly scroll through your feed without really paying attention to what you’re seeing. This can make you feel even more disconnected from the world around you.
If you find that Instagram is affecting your mental health in a negative way, it’s important to take a break from the app. Spend time outside, with friends, or doing activities that make you happy. Remember that the people you see on Instagram are only sharing a small part of their lives – everyone has ups and downs.
Does instagram cause stress and anxiety?
Can instagram addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, excessive use of Instagram or any social media platform can lead to feelings of sadness and depression. Instagram addiction can lead to a decrease in real-life social interactions, feelings of isolation, and a distorted sense of reality. Constantly comparing oneself to others on the platform can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.
Additionally, spending too much time on Instagram can lead to neglecting important responsibilities and activities, which can further contribute to feelings of sadness and depression.
Dopamine and instagram
Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward in the brain.
Studies have shown that social media use, including Instagram, can activate the brain’s reward system and release dopamine. This can create a sense of pleasure and satisfaction, which can lead to addiction-like behavior.
The constant scrolling, liking, and commenting on Instagram can also create a sense of validation and social connection, further reinforcing the release of dopamine.
However, excessive use of social media, including Instagram, has been linked to negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
It is important to use Instagram and other social media platforms in moderation and be aware of the potential impact it can have on our mental and emotional well-being.
instagram effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…
A word about ADHD and instagram
We don’t have personal experiences, but We can provide you with the following general information:
People with ADHD may interact differently with Instagram depending on their symptoms and coping mechanisms. Some people with ADHD may find Instagram to be a source of distraction, leading to difficulty in focusing on other tasks. Others may find Instagram to be a helpful tool for managing their symptoms, such as providing a visual and interactive way to organize their thoughts and ideas.
In addition, people with ADHD may be more likely to impulsively post or comment on Instagram without considering the consequences, which can sometimes lead to negative interactions or social media addiction. However, with proper self-awareness and management strategies, people with ADHD can use Instagram effectively and enjoyably like anyone else.
affecting your relationships
instagram and self-esteem
instagram addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?
.jpg)
Yes, Instagram addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. When individuals become addicted to Instagram, they may spend excessive amounts of time scrolling through their feeds or posting pictures and videos. This can lead to neglecting face-to-face interactions with friends and family, which can result in social isolation.
Additionally, Instagram addiction can create a false sense of connection and validation through likes and comments. When individuals become overly reliant on this digital validation, they may feel lonely and disconnected when they are not receiving it.
In extreme cases, Instagram addiction can also lead to anxiety and depression, which can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Effects of instagram on your relationship
How To Stop & quit Your instagram Addiction

Finally you think you are addicted to instagram and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for instagram?
Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your instagram addiction.
Main steps and solutions to break the instagram addiction
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, some tips to help reduce Instagram addiction include being mindful of the time spent on the app, setting limits on usage, and diversifying one’s social media diet.
Additionally, it may be helpful to find other activities to occupy time that would otherwise be spent on Instagram.
Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.
So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including instagram:
1. Purge temptations: Get rid of instagram
First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your instagram accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.
Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:
Click here if you want to see more of the Digital Purge!
2. Spot & Reveal your emotional triggers
Second, there are some reasons, often hidden ones, that your brain and your heart love so much instagram. Those reasons act as triggers to pull your cravings. Rather than chasing the addiction, it’s a more efficient strategy to look at the feelings driving you toward it. That way you can cure and heal the feeling. You’ll feel better and the cravings will magically disappear. Just get away.
3. Rewire to life

An addiction FOMO (fear of missing out) can be huge and really painful to resist, especially if it was here for a long time. However learning to live with it is necessary to build a life full of peace and joy. Strategies to fight FOMO and rewire to life include meditation, nature activities, social interaction, intellectual and creative projects, meaningful adventures… basically anything that fill your soul.
4. How to not relapse and fully recover from instagram?
Finally, it’s important to acknowledge that quitting may takes days, weeks, months or even years. Getting over and quitting instagram forever can be difficult. You may relapse a few times, but the most important is that you keep engaging less and less with instagram. Each day you resist to it is a day weakening your brain connections with instagram. From your patience and discipline will arise incredible mind strength, hope and wisdom.

Best instagram blocker apps & functionalities
Additionally, you can increase your chance of withdrawal by limiting or blocking access to instagram using those apps.
They I’ll help you to filter, reduce or block instagram:
- 1. Freedom: This app allows users to block social media sites and apps for a set period of time. This can be helpful for users who want to limit their social media use.
- 2. StayFocusd: This app allows users to set limits on the amount of time they can spend on specific websites. This can be helpful for users who want to limit their social media use.
- 3. Cold Turkey: This app allows users to block access to specific websites and apps for a set period of time. This can be helpful for users who want to limit their social media use.
- 4. SelfControl: This app allows users to block access to specific websites and apps for a set period of time. This can be helpful for users who want to limit their social media use.
- 5. Anti-Social: This app allows users to block social media sites and apps. This can be helpful for users who want to limit their social media use.
where to seek extra help?
Do you need some support and help to stop and overcome and recover from your instagram addiction? If you or someone you know is struggling with instagram addiction, there are a few places to seek help.
The Ultimate Rewiring Program For instagram Addicts
Our course The Digital Purge. This course has already helped many digital addicts to rewire to what matter.
Is there a “treatment” to cure Social media addiction?
Does Social media therapy exist?
Yes, therapy to address social media addiction does exist. There are various forms of therapy that can help individuals overcome their addiction to social media, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions. These therapies aim to help individuals identify the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and improve their ability to regulate their behavior and emotions.
Additionally, support groups and online resources can also be helpful in overcoming social media addiction. It is important to seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor trained in treating addiction to ensure the best possible outcome.
Where to find support groups if you are addicted to instagram?
But other instagram addiction solutions exist
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with an Instagram addiction, know that you’re not alone. There are many people out there who are in the same boat as you. The good news is that there are ways to overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.
Start by setting some limits for yourself. Decide how much time you’re going to allow yourself to spend on Instagram each day, and stick to it. It might be difficult at first, but it’s important to be strict with yourself.
Next, try to find other things to do with your time. If you’re spending hours on Instagram, you’re probably not doing much else. Find other hobbies and activities that you enjoy, and make time for them.
Finally, talk to someone about your addiction. If you’re struggling to overcome it on your own, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you understand your addiction and find ways to overcome it.
To go further, please check our course The Digital Purge.
To go further
How to help someone with instagram addiction?
Best books about Social media addiction
- 1. “The Social Media Addiction Workbook: How to Overcome Your Reliance on Technology and Take Control of Your Life” by Arielle Pardes
- 2. “The Power of Off: The Mindful Way to Stay Sane in a Virtual World” by Nancy Colier
- 3. “The Social Media detox: How to take a break from social media and reclaim your life” by Catherine Price
- 4. “The Digital Detox Solution: How to Overcome Your Tech Addiction and Reclaim Your Life” by Nicholas Kardaras
- 5. “The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company That Is Connecting the World” by David Kirkpatrick
Research about Social media addiction
1. “Social Media Addiction and Problematic Use: A Systematic Review of Recent Research” by Lin, et al. (2018. – This study reviewed 33 research articles on the topic of social media addiction and problematic use, concluding that there is a need for further research to fully understand this phenomenon.
2. “Social Media Addiction: A Review of the Literature” by Kuss and Griffiths (2017. – This study reviewed 46 research articles and found that social media addiction is associated with negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and decreased academic performance.
3. “Social Media Addiction: Its Impact, Mediation, and Intervention” by Alhabash and Ma (2017. – This study reviewed 55 articles and found that social media addiction is associated with negative outcomes such as impaired social skills, decreased self-esteem, and decreased well-being.
4. “Social Media Addiction: A Review of the Literature and Implications for Public Health” by Primack, et al. (2017. – This study reviewed 70 research articles and found that social media addiction is associated with negative outcomes such as increased risk of obesity, sleep disturbances, and decreased mental health.
5. “Social Media Use, Addiction, and Mental Health: A Systematic Review” by Woods and Scott (2016. – This study reviewed 36 research articles and found that social media addiction is associated with negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and decreased well-being.
To go further, please check our course The Digital Purge.