To quote Zygmunt Bauman:

We are – most of us – free to enjoy our freedom, but unfree to avoid the consequences of that enjoyment. To tackle the consequences, we are bound to turn to the self-same market of commodified goods, services and ideas (thus also, presumably, of counsels and therapies), which is the major production plant of ambivalence and its zealous and resourceful supplier. The market keeps ambivalence alive, and ambivalence keeps the market alive. From this closed circle there is no obvious exit. But since the times of the Gordian knot every close circle breeds the temptation to cut and the demand for sharp knives…

  • lukaro@lemmy.zipEnglish
    1·
    2 hours ago

    I went to Instagram once, I saw nothing that didn’t amount to a bunch of pretty people fishing for compliments so I left and avoid it.

  • starlinguk@lemmy.world
    11·
    3 hours ago

    I don’t follow influencers, just actual friends and the odd comic. Instagram doesn’t make me unhappy.

  • Mac@mander.xyzEnglish
    32·
    3 hours ago

    Meanwhile my ig is full of wholesome art, comics, backpacking adventures, and racecars.

    Curate your own feeds instead of letting a megacorp do it for you.

  • Engywook@lemm.ee
    3·
    8 hours ago

    I’ve never felt the appeal of Instagram (or youtube, for that matters). Looks like most of the “normie” internet is just ego showcasing.

  • YappyMonotheist@lemmy.world
    4·
    9 hours ago

    Unhappy people that desperately need everyone to believe differently and are superficial enough that it actually makes them feel better when they pretend successfully… There’s no need to lose your self-respect just because you’re sad though, we can all be better than that! 😅

  • Bags@piefed.socialEnglish
    11·
    6 hours ago

    If you use Android, check out “Distraction-free Instagram”. It’s an app that lets you disable various parts of the app like your home feed, stories, etc.

    I really wanted to stop scrolling on Instagram, but I also really wanted to keep posting my photography, as the interactions I sometimes get on my posts are fun and I enjoy sharing my craft. I also have some friends who ONLY interact via instagram messaging.

    I downloaded the app, and disabled everything except messaging, and it’s been great. It’s definitely made me happier overall.