TECHNOLOGY plays a significant role in society because people are drawn to apps such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
But apps can cause societal pressures for users to delete accounts by publishing content.
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How can I deactivate my account?
You can temporarily deactivate your Instagram account instead of deleting it.
Doing this will temporarily suspend your account, take it off the platform, and allow you to choose how long you would like it to remain active.
You can deactivate your account at any time and log back in to your account. Your account will reactivate, so you can use it as before.
Important: You can’t deactivate an account using the app. This must be done on a browser.
These steps will allow you to deactivate or delete your account.
Step 1Log in to your Instagram account by going to Instagram.com
Step 2 Click on your profile page and select to edit profile.
Step 3Scroll to the bottom and you will find an option that reads ” “temporarily disable my account.”
Step 3After being prompted to enter the reason you wish to disable your account, you can choose the reason from the drop down menu.
Step 4You can temporarily disable your account by entering your password again.
Step 5 Success! Your account has been temporarily disabled and is now hidden from other users. Note: Instagram’s policy says that you can only deactivate an account once per week.
How can I permanently delete my account?
Similar steps can also be taken if your goal is to permanently disable your account.
Like you can deactivate an account, you cannot delete an Instagram profile via the app’s website browser.
Step 1Log into Instagram.com
Step 2Check out Instagram “delete your account” page.
Step 3 You’ll be asked to select your reason for leaving. Select the reason that applies.
Step 3Continue by entering your password.
Step 4 Scroll down to the bottom and click “permanently delete my account.”
Step 5Your Instagram account has been removed
Note:You cannot recover your account after it has been deleted.
Why is it so important to take a break on social media?
There has been a link between social media apps and an increase in depression, anxiety, loneliness self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Like any vice, social media can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop using it abruptly.
Swansea University studyIt was found that people experienced physiological effects after quitting using social media.
Phil Reed, study author, said: “We have known for some time that people who are over-dependent on digital devices report feelings of anxiety when they are stopped from using them, but now we can see that these psychological effects are accompanied by actual physiological changes.”
Psychologists recommend that you take occasional breaks from social networking because the comparisons with other people’s lives can lead to mental instability or depression.
A2018 studyWe found that social media use can make us happier, less lonely and improve our overall well-being.
Results showed that people with limited access to social networks saw a marked decrease in loneliness and depression than those who used social media more often.
Therefore, it is a good idea to take breaks from social media frequently and live your life with your own eyes.