How to Close Instagram Account: A Step-by-Step Guide and Reasons to Quit
Social media platforms like Instagram have taken over our daily lives, and most of our time is spent scrolling, liking, commenting, and sharing. With the increasing popularity of Instagram, people are becoming more aware of the downsides of social media. After realizing the trap of the curated facade, privacy concerns, cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues, some users are deciding to close their Instagram accounts. This article aims to provide a complete guide to help you close your Instagram account with screenshots, along with the reasons and benefits of quitting Instagram, risks of keeping it, alternative platforms, and addressing possible difficulties.
Step-by-Step Guide with Screenshots
The biggest fear of a user about to quit social media is they fear of losing their data. But it will stay safe even after the account is removed. Closing an Instagram account is a simple process and can be done through the app on your mobile phone or from the Instagram website through any computer browser. Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots-
Step 1: Open Instagram and click on your ‘Profile’ icon
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal lines at the top right corner
Step 3: Go to ‘Settings’
Step 4: Scroll down and click on ‘Help’ and open ‘Help Centre’
Step 5: Type ‘Delete Account’ in the search bar and click on the article ‘Delete Your Account.’
Step 6: Read the instructions carefully and click on the link ‘delete your account.’
Step 7: Answer the question ‘Why are you deleting your account?’ and enter your password.
Step 8: Click on the ‘Permanently delete my account’ button to complete the process.
Voila! Your Instagram account is deleted forever.
Reasons to Close an Instagram Account
Before we dive into the reasons, it’s essential to understand that there is no right or wrong answer to the question of whether you should quit Instagram. It’s a personal choice, and each individual can weigh the pros and cons based on their needs and priorities.
One of the most common reasons people have for leaving Instagram is excessive usage. Scrolling endlessly through your Instagram feed can be a time-consuming and unproductive activity, which often leads to feelings of guilt and anxiety. It can also affect your sleep, work performance, and relationships.
Another reason is privacy concerns. Instagram is known for collecting users’ data and sharing it with third-party companies. It’s also common for Instagram users to overshare personal information that can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Lastly, data breaches are a big issue for Instagram. In 2021, hackers stole personal information from over 500 million Instagram accounts, including emails and phone numbers. If your account is inactive, it can still be included in these hacking incidents.
Risks of Keeping an Instagram Account
There are several risks associated with keeping an Instagram account open.
The first risk is cybersecurity threats. Instagram, like any other social media platform, is vulnerable to hacking, identity theft, and phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can also use Instagram to spread malware or gain access to your personal information.
The second risk is cyberbullying. Instagram’s comment section or direct messages can become a breeding ground for trolls, bullies, and harassers. Hate speech, body shaming, and online harassment are prevalent issues on the platform.
The third and most concerning risk is addiction issues- Instagram can become an addiction. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and fear of missing out (FOMO). All these issues have long-term effects on an individual’s mental and physical health.
Alternative Social Media Platforms
There are several alternative social media platforms that Instagram users can explore.
Twitter is a popular choice for users who want to use social media but with a more news-like approach. Users can quickly get updates on trending topics, news, politics, celebrities, and influencers. Twitter has a 280-character limit, making it a fast-paced and easy-to-use platform.
TikTok is another popular alternative that has gained massive popularity in recent years. It’s mainly focused on short-form video content, and the content is curated through algorithms based on the user’s interests. TikTok also has a For You page that shows trending videos based on the user’s location.
Long-Term Effects of Quitting Instagram
Quitting Instagram can have several positive effects on an individual’s life. The most apparent benefit is the improvement in mental health and overall well-being. Social media use has been related to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, and quitting Instagram can reduce these feelings.
Another benefit is increased productivity. Without the distraction of social media, users will have more time to focus on their work or passions. Instagram can also tempt users to procrastinate or check their phones constantly, leading to a decrease in work quality.
Lastly, quitting Instagram can lead to a more authentic experience. Users are not comparing their lives to the highlight reels of others and can focus on building meaningful relationships in real life.
Addressing Possible Difficulties When Closing an Instagram Account
Closing an Instagram account isn’t always straightforward, and there can be some difficulties like forgetting login details or facing technical issues. In such cases, users can use their email address or phone number to log in to their account.
If you experience significant challenges, we encourage you to contact Instagram’s customer support team. You can access it by following these steps-
Step 1: Go to Instagram and click on Profile
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal lines at the top right corner and go to Settings
Step 3: Click on ‘Report a Problem.’
Step 4: Choose the problem that best matches the issue you are facing.
Conclusion
Closing an Instagram account can be a significant decision for anyone, and it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of staying or leaving. Hopefully, this article has provided users with the guidance they need to make an informed decision. Keep in mind that there are alternative social media platforms, and quitting Instagram can have long-term positive effects on an individual’s mental and physical well-being. Remember that contacting Instagram’s customer support is an option if you experience any difficulties.
