Maybe I should start a new one and just follow a couple dozen people I like. I think a lot of the issue could be me following hashtags or topics or whatever instagram calls them. For example, if I follow backpacking, the first few posts will be relevant, then it will devolve into people abusing the hashtag system and me seeing content I'm not interested in.

If you follow the right accounts, it will actually turn into a nice experience. Personally I never followed many hashtags, instead I used to follow high quality photography accounts. I believe that a small percentage got sold at some point and turned into trash but the majority of my feed was quite tailored and nice.

May I point out that much of the 'positivity' on Instagram is pretty toxic too. There are people just showing the best parts of life and abusive people re-posting the kindest quotes. It all feels like smoke and mirrors to me.