Why I deleted Instagram and feel better for it

As a social media producer for the ABC, being on Instagram and similar platforms is part of the gig. I can't escape it.

But when I recently became aware I was spending 14 hours a week on Instagram — and nine of those were for personal use — it was a major wake-up call.

My day would begin with turning off my phone alarm and opening the app. I'd almost sleepwalk through the first 10 minutes, barely aware that I was 20 posts deep.

Throughout the day, I would find myself reaching for my phone in a way that could only be described as habitual, be it while waiting for a friend or in bed at night with my partner.

While monitoring my use, I realised I would leave these scrolling sessions feeling less connected and with an unsettled, anxious feeling in my stomach I could only attribute to inadvertent social comparison.

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