I have been using Instagram since the app first appeared in 2010. For all the time I have been using it, I have developed a love-hate relationship with Instagram. I can’t be the only one who thinks like this?

I think it fair to say I have an unhealthy relationship with the app; I am literally on it all day long and sometimes even all night long. I check on it first thing in the morning and all the times leading up to bedtime. It is genuinely my number one app on my phone.

But this relationship I have with Instagram, I feel, is very one-sided. I often think the more I put into the app, the more it doesn’t necessarily give back. Let me explain my love-hate relationship with Instagram.

LOVE

• I love showcasing my photos on there and getting instant feedback or likes from people.
• I also love that I can instantly connect with people – from all over the world.
• I love Insta Stories and not only creating my own – but also watching other people stories.
• I’m addicted to reels and feels it better than TikTok.
• Sharing my life stories with people – I love sharing photos and videos of any journey I take.
• I love being close to famous people and seeing what they share with people.
• Love having the whole world at my fingers tip.
• I love being more confident in front of the camera.
• I love showing off my outfits.

HATE

• The creepy weirdo who sends you creepy messages in your DM.
• The creepy weirdo.
• The influx of spambots – there seems to be a lot more than usual recently.
• The ‘like’ game which someone will like your photos and profile – only to unlike you after you have like their pictures or profile. It drives me mad.
• The fake followers.
• Playing beating the Instagram algorithm game.
• The fake brands who say they like your profile but then disappear entirely when you say ‘no thanks to a brand collaboration.
• The spammy DM messages.
• You can put real effort and time into a photo – only to get limited likes.
• You become addicted to more likes and followers.

That is only a handful of why I have a love-hate relationship with Instagram. I could say so much more about this app, but I don’t want to turn this into a rant blog post. What is your feeling about the app? Do you have a love-hate relationship with Instagram?