Loss of Identity

My Experience With Getting My Account Deleted on Social Media

Social media is a vital part of our lives today, allowing us to connect with others, express ourselves, and showcase our talents and passions. It provides us with a platform to share our thoughts and experiences, and to connect with people who share similar interests. However, social media can also lead to attachment and dependency, which, when lost, can result in a significant loss of identity.

This was my experience when my Instagram account, which I had been using for six years, was suddenly and unexpectedly deleted. A range of emotions and feelings came up, such as sadness, disbelief, and loss of identity. I realized that I had become attached to the account and all that it represented – the numbers, the followers, the messages, the contacts, the images, and the status. I had become attached to the pictures, and the time and energy invested in selecting and capturing each one.

The experience led me to question the authenticity of our social media accounts and whether they truly represent us. We may believe that each picture we post reflects a true representation of ourselves at that moment, but the truth is that social media may not always capture the essence of who we are.

Identity is a critical aspect of our lives that defines how we view ourselves and how others perceive us. It comprises attributes, qualities, and values that shape our sense of self and our connection to the world around us. Our identity may be formed from the labels we place on ourselves or those that others place on us, the roles we play, and the activities we undertake.

When we lose our identity, we may feel a sense of disorientation and detachment from ourselves and the world. This loss can result from significant life events, such as the loss of a job, relationship, or role that once defined us. Losing our identity may also occur gradually over time as we merge with others in a relationship or become increasingly dependent on external validation.

The loss of identity can have severe consequences for our emotional wellbeing and mental health. It can lead to increased levels of anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, a loss of self-confidence, and social anxiety. Such losses can threaten our ability to connect with ourselves and others, as we seek validation from external sources. This dependency on external validation prevents us from being our authentic selves and can hinder personal growth and happiness.

If you find yourself experiencing a loss of identity, it is essential to seek help from a qualified therapist or counselor. Through therapy, you can work through the underlying causes of your identity loss, identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to the problem, and develop strategies to reconnect with yourself and others. Rediscovering your identity and sense of self can be an empowering and transformative experience that can positively impact all areas of your life.

In conclusion, social media has become an integral part of our lives, and while it can help us connect with others and express ourselves, we must not become too attached to it. Losing our social media accounts can be emotionally challenging, but we should not let it define who we are. Our identity is more than our social media presence; it is a culmination of our experiences, values, and beliefs that shape who we are. It is essential to cultivate a strong sense of self and develop healthy ways of connecting with ourselves and others, which do not rely on external validation.