I've dealt with anxious and depressive nightmares, almost every night, for the last few years. I knew about the studies regarding ig and mental health but I thought that was specific to toxic content and teenager's brains.

I'm in my 30s and follow a bunch of positive accounts, family, friends and a few acquaintances. I ENJOYED using insta, looking at art, nature photography, exercise tips and sharing memes. But since avoiding it I've started having pleasant dreams again with my ideal life and fantasies playing out in them.

I don't get it but maybe the constant exposure to other people's lives numbs out your own emotions, dreams, manifestations on a sub-conscious level? All I know is I'm gonna reduce my usage to 5 mins every 3-4 days and avoid posting as much as possible. Not gonna delete as it's a way to message folks who aren't on WhatsApp and there is productive, valuable content on there too.