Why Considering 'Instagram Detox' Like Karan Johar Might Be Your Best Decision This Year
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently voiced what many silently feel. In an Instagram story, he confessed he is seriously contemplating a social media detox, writing, "Is everyone else getting anxious seeing only bad news on the gram??? Have seriously considered a detox!" His words have struck a chord at a time when our social media feeds are saturated with distressing updates, be it global crises, plane crashes, or the loss of beloved public figures such as veteran actors Kota Srinivasa Rao and Saroja Devi.
Let’s look closer at what an Instagram detox means, and why it can be so beneficial for our mental well-being.
What is an Instagram detox?
An Instagram detox is a conscious decision to take a break from the platform for a set period, whether it’s a few days, weeks, or longer. Some users temporarily deactivate their accounts, while others simply remove the app from their phones. The purpose is to create space from the loads of content and regain a sense of balance.
A detox isn’t about avoiding reality; rather, it’s about giving the mind relief from the relentless cycle of information and comparison. When you begin your detox, you begin to realise what you do to your brain when you consume multiple news and information and get affected even before you're fully out of your bed. It can truly awaken you.
The mental health toll of negative news
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published multiple studies highlighting how constant exposure to negative news on social media contributes to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. One 2020 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that social media users who consumed more pandemic-related content reported significantly higher anxiety levels compared to those who limited their exposure.
Another NIH-supported study in 2022 concluded that the “doomscrolling” effect, endlessly consuming bad news, can lead to “cognitive overload,” making it harder to regulate emotions and maintain focus. Over time, this constant stress can deepen feelings of helplessness and despair.
How Instagram triggers anxiety and comparison
Beyond news updates, Instagram also thrives on curated snapshots of others’ lives, vacations, successes, celebrations. When juxtaposed against reports of tragedy and crisis, this creates a dissonant experience that amplifies anxiety.
According to researchers, the platform’s design promotes endless scrolling and intermittent rewards (likes and comments), which can become addictive. Users often feel compelled to check the app compulsively, even when it no longer brings joy. The very recent demise of 23-year-old Misha Agarwal was a wake up call for people who not draw a boundary between social media and reality.
Why now is the time to consider a break
In the current climate, taking a break isn’t just a luxury, it can be an act of self-care. By stepping back, you allow your nervous system to reset and reduce the harmful impact of chronic stress. Studies consistently show that social media breaks improve mood, enhance sleep quality, and help people reconnect with offline interests and relationships.
If you’ve felt the heaviness Karan Johar described, consider setting boundaries. Even a few days away from Instagram can make a noticeable difference in your mental clarity and peace of mind. A digital detox doesn’t mean you’re ignoring the world, it means you’re prioritising your health to better face it.
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