Instagram will immediately ask to access your contacts. It’s like that overly friendly neighbor who wants to know everyone you’ve ever met. You can either say "Allow"—and suddenly your ex-boyfriend, your boss, and your high school math teacher are all suggested—or "Don’t Allow" and live a quiet, anonymous life. I chose "Allow" once, and within minutes, my uncle sent me a follow request. Never click "Allow" at 2 AM.
If you skip this, you start with a blank feed. It’s weirdly peaceful, like a library where no one talks. But you don’t want that forever, so start by following your actual friends. Search for their usernames, or tap the "Explore" tab and let the algorithm do the work—it’s scarily good at showing you people you reluctantly know.
