Breaking Free from Mindless Spending
As I scrolled through my social media feeds during the pandemic, I realized how easily I fell prey to targeted ads and influencer marketing. Despite working in marketing, I found myself succumbing to the allure of online shopping, buying unnecessary items that drained my bank account.
The Culprit: Instagram
Instagram, in particular, made it effortless to make impulse purchases. With just a few swipes and clicks, I could buy anything from trendy outfits to home decor items. The platform’s algorithm learned my preferences, serving me ads that were almost irresistible. I knew I had to take control of my spending habits.
The Experiment
I decided to unfollow every business account that could tempt me to make a purchase. I set clear rules for myself:
- Unfollow large retailers and sales-based corporations
- Avoid accounts that sold or resold items I was prone to impulse buying
- Keep Black-owned and woman-owned businesses with fewer than 10,000 followers
- Ignore information-based companies, as they only promoted subscriptions
- Refrain from buying items that originated from Instagram ads
The Purge
I went from following 800 accounts to 634, deleting accounts that added no value to my life. Most of the business accounts I followed fell into categories like fast fashion, gym/fitness, and cooking. I realized I didn’t need to follow these accounts to make informed purchasing decisions.
The Results
After three months, I calculated my savings and was shocked to find that I had saved $1,108. This amount was directly attributed to Instagram advertising, influencers, and boosted ads. I learned that if I could buy it on Instagram, I shouldn’t.
Lessons Learned
This experiment taught me to evaluate my purchasing decisions more critically. I realized that convenience was a major factor in my impulsive spending. By adding a few extra steps to the checkout process, I gave myself time to think about whether I truly needed a product.
Retraining My Brain
This experience helped me become more mindful of my online behavior. I started asking questions like: What value do influencers offer? What am I gaining or losing by following them? By being more intentional with my social media usage, I broke free from the cycle of mindless spending.
A Call to Action
If you’re struggling with overspending, try taking a break from social media. You might be surprised at how much you can save by avoiding the constant barrage of ads and influencer marketing. Take control of your finances and ask yourself: Are those “I wants” really worth the money?
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