The Exquisite Joy of Quitting Instagram with Marlee Grace
Nov 20, 2023
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Marlee Grace, a writer and bad ass creative, discusses the journey of quitting Instagram and the freedom that lies beyond. They explore addiction, the truth about social media engagement, and the fear of losing cultural relevance. The podcast also delves into the functioning of a digital co-working space and the importance of pushing back against distractions for a more fulfilling life.
Breaking away from social media platforms like Instagram is possible, offering a chance to regain command over time, attention, and mind.
Quitting Instagram can lead to improved creativity, deeper focus on social justice, and a need to find alternative activities for fulfillment.
Deep dives
Quitting Instagram: Life on the Other Side
Marley Grace, a writer and artist, discusses their decision to quit Instagram and the impact it has had on their life. They compare their addiction to Instagram with alcohol addiction and how the constant validation loop creates a cycle of emotional highs and hangovers. Marley explores the fears and challenges they faced in leaving the platform, including concerns about relevance and professional opportunities. They also share the positive changes they have experienced, such as increased focus, creativity, and deeper connections with their community. Overall, Marley provides insights into the process of leaving social media and offers reflections on the healing journey.
The Freshness and Challenges of Being Off Instagram
Marley Grace shares their experience of being off Instagram and the ongoing healing process. They discuss how their creativity has improved, allowing for clearer writing and a deeper focus on social justice and advocacy. They also delve into the loneliness and validation-seeking behaviors that arise in the absence of the social media platform. Marley reflects on the importance of finding alternative activities to fill the void left by Instagram, such as reading, watching movies, knitting, and spending time in nature. They emphasize the slow and gradual nature of the healing process and the reclamation of attention span and intellectual engagement.
Creating a Digital Co-Working Space and Letting Go of Cultural Relevance
Marley Grace introduces their digital co-working space where individuals gather to support and work alongside each other in a virtual environment. They highlight the benefits of this supportive community and the opportunities it creates for collaboration and growth. Marley also explores the fear of losing cultural relevance when leaving Instagram and challenges the notion that social media is the only measure of one's importance. They share their personal journey of redefining relevance and identity outside of the platform, focusing on the deeper connections and activities that bring fulfillment and meaning to their life.
Reflecting on the Healing Journey and Embracing Slow Progress
Marley Grace reflects on the process of healing and rediscovering oneself after quitting Instagram. They express the mixed emotions of liberation and pain that come with leaving a platform tied to validation and self-worth. Marley discusses the slower, gradual return of creativity and attention span and how these changes positively impact their writing and engagement with social justice issues. They share strategies for reclaiming time lost to phone scrolling and highlight the importance of engaging in activities that nourish the mind and spirit. Marley concludes by acknowledging the ongoing exploration of relevance and the connections between social media, identity, and fulfillment.
In our constant quest to stay connected, Instagram and other social media platforms have become staples of our daily lives. Yet, there is a growing counter-movement of folks who have chosen to break free from the shackles of these platforms, daring to live a life beyond the 'like' and 'follow' buttons. But what does life on the other side of social media look like?
The writer, author and bad ass creative Marlee Grace is one of the brave few who have dared to step off the social media stage. The decision to unplug, as Marlee puts it, did not come lightly- it was a long and challenging journey fueled by the need to reclaim their time and creativity. They were uncertain about a world away from the constant validation, but they pressed on, curious about the freedom that lay beyond Instagram's borders.
Marlee Grace’s journey through the social media detox reveals that breaking away from these platforms, despite their seemingly inevitable clutch, is possible. The life that lies beyond is quieter and slower, but it offers a chance for us to regain command over our time, attention, and most importantly, our minds.