Why I Took a Step Back from Instagram

A little over a year ago, I made a conscious decision to take a step back from Instagram. 

It wasn’t out of frustration with the algorithm or a lack of content to share. It was something deeper. I started to notice that my time on the platform was beginning to feel… empty. Behind the glossy highlight reels and polished moments, something essential was missing: real connection. 

Social media, in many ways, is the junk food of life. It’s designed to be addictive, easy to consume, and temporarily satisfying—but it doesn’t nourish us. What truly nourishes us is face-to-face connection. It’s the healthy meal of life—getting involved in your local community, showing up for friends, or simply having a meaningful conversation over coffee. 

What I’ve come to realize is that longevity and health aren’t just about what you eat or how often you exercise—they’re about connectedness. Have you heard about Blue Zones, geographical areas where people live longer and healthier lives? One of the common denominators is living in faith-based communities that value social connection. 

It’s about having a handful of people you can call at 2am, people who really know you, not just the version of you they see online. That’s true wealth. And it’s something I would never sacrifice for likes, views, or story replies. 

Another reason I stopped posting is something I think many of us have felt lately: Instagram started to feel superficial—especially in contrast to what’s happening in the world. The tone, the filters, the trends… it all started to feel disconnected from what really matters. When I took a step back, I began focusing more on my in-person relationships and showing up for the people in my life in a more authentic way. 

The less time I spent on Instagram, the more I noticed how social media can create the illusion of closeness while actually breeding distance. Friends don’t call to check in anymore because they think they’ve already “caught up” by watching your stories. But that’s not connection—it’s consumption. And connection requires more than a scroll and a double-tap. 

So Why Do I Still Post on LinkedIn? 

You might still see me active on LinkedIn—and there’s a reason for that. 

As a business owner, thought leader, and mentor, LinkedIn gives me a space to talk about the things that matter most to me: leadership, entrepreneurship, and evolving technology. The conversations there feel more intentional, more grounded, and more aligned with the work I do and the kind of legacy I want to leave. It’s less about the perfect photo and more about what I have to say. 

It’s not about visibility for the sake of visibility—it’s about using my voice to contribute to bigger conversations and connect with like-minded people who are also building something meaningful. Having a public presence on LinkedIn is also a necessity when you’re an entrepreneur who wants to grow their business. 

I’m not saying Instagram is all bad. There are moments of joy and creativity on the platform, and I may pop in from time to time. But for now, I’m choosing real-world connection, presence, and purpose over presenting the perfect life online. I’m choosing depth over dopamine. 

If you’ve felt this shift too, you’re not alone. Maybe it’s time we all asked ourselves: Are we nourishing our souls—or just snacking? Let’s make space for what matters. 

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Chanie Gluck