New feed, who dis?
It seems like no matter where you scroll on social media there’s always a ‘fit-tea’ being promoted, a waist being trained, and one person who is always in a bikini somewhere in Bali. I think most of us can agree that Instagram can be a mentally draining place, so it’s no surprise that a recent study found Instagram to be the worst social media platform for mental health. Yet, it’s still the second most used social media platform worldwide.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to part with my Instagram. Aside from all the negatives, many have redefined what this platform is and even helped shape some of Instagram’s policies. With the right accounts shaping your feed, Instagram can fuel your creativity, encourage positive self-talk, and inspire social action.
Curate a healthy online community by adding these accounts to your follow list:
1. Ayishat Akanbi | @ayishat_akanbi
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs8BXkrFaKZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Writer, stylist, photographer, and cultural commentator, Ayishat Akanbi uses her platform to spark conversation and inspire with her beautiful aesthetic. While keeping her eye on what’s hot in fashion, Akanbi also makes it her mission to remain aware of socio-political issues and culture.
2. Amrou Al-Kadhi | @glamrou
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JQjDngK0_/
Amrou Al-Kadhi is a proud queer, Iraqi, Muslim and non-binary writer, performer, and filmmaker. Al-Kadhi has a long list of accomplishments behind their Instagram account that features drag, love, and both queer and Iraqi culture. Come on representation!
3. Hana | @frizzkidart
https://www.instagram.com/p/B71A9OqHu3K/
Local Toronto illustrator and author, Hana creates feel-good and real content through creative visuals. These Insta-story friendly posts are a sure-fire way to inspire your followers. For your daily dose of creativity, positivity, and social activism, add Hana to your feed.
4. Jess | @thechroniciconic
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Gw5KEAZ1e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If you’re looking to add more activism and representation of people with disabilities onto your feed, Jess is your girl. On top of being an activist, Jess speaks to her mental health journey and calls out the lack of consideration for people with disabilities in mental health treatment facilities. Follow Jess’s journey and fight alongside her. You go, Jess!
5. Rickey Thompson | @rickeythompson
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tnUASn2nD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If you’re not among the 5.3 million who follow Rickey Thompson, you’re missing out. Previous Vine creator turned YouTuber, Thompson’s mission is to make people laugh. Coming out as gay in 2015 via Twitter, Thompson uses his social media fame to create a safe and fun community for his fans.
6. Salwa Rahman | @urgalsal_
https://www.instagram.com/p/B63Yv37gxeT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Salwa Rahman is a British-Bangladeshi, beauty-blogger (I live for this alliteration) who not only creates inspiring looks but also speaks to the waste consumption in the beauty community. “At the end of the day, I can only either stop consuming or consume less… If [beauty brands] can change the way they produce, then maybe I can consume at a normal rate, but at this point in time I can’t do that.” Hello, sustainability!
7. Christina Hunger, MA, CCC-SLP | @hunger4words
https://www.instagram.com/p/B66vARChpII/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Okay, this one might make you cry. Christina Hunger is a speech-language pathologist using her love of dogs (same) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to teach her dog, Stella, how to communicate with her. From asking for her blanket to wondering where her parents are, Stella proves the intellect of dogs and warms our hearts.
8. Sofia Grahn | @isotretinoinwiths
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MhybKpkX5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Sofia Grahn is changing the face of skin on Instagram by normalizing acne. Grahn’s content gives us a much-needed reality check on that overly airbrushed skin we’re used to seeing. Refresh your feed with Grahn’s authentic and unfiltered skin journey.
9. Jonathan Van Ness | @jvn
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5kue8PgRKs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Jonathan Van Ness exudes happiness and positivity. Most recognizable as part of the Fab 5 of Queer Eye, Van Ness is constantly pushing gender boundaries and trying new things. Between doing gymnastics and figure skating, Van Ness is also a hair and skincare expert; he can give you twirls and volume!
10. Donté Colley | @donte.colley
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7O_rP8hE-_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Twitter, Tik-Tok and Instagram stardom is no stranger to the University of Guelph-Humber’s very own, Dontè Colley. His content consists of relatable, hilarious and hopeful messages that give us all the feels. You’ll be sure to brighten your BFF’s day by sending them one of Colley’s feel-good posts.
11. Sam Smith | @samsmith
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6MD2BmA2HD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Yes I do, I believe. I believe that Sam Smith is the icon we need for male body-positivity. Smith not only creates the perfect break-up ballads to cry to, but he also is fearless on his feed. Showcasing a body so unrepresented in society today, Smith uses his large platform to break down stereotypes and beauty standards.
12. I Weigh | @i_weigh
https://www.instagram.com/p/B76ltZZH5Yj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Created by Jameela Jamil, I Weigh was designed as a hub for ‘radical inclusivity.’ Beginning in 2018, I Weigh has continued to curate content that reaches all types of activism and highlights drivers of change globally. Following I Weigh is a must to add more diversity, positivity, and inspiration to your feed.
Learn more from the founder of I Weigh herself, Jameela Jamil, at our upcoming Real Talks!
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