I never thought it would be me. But then again, one never does. I am a self proclaimed Facebook lover and have often sung its praises to anyone who would listen. And yet, two days ago, I deactivated my FB (Facebook) account.
Many people have asked why I've done this, most with incredulity, knowing how much I love FB. In a nutshell, I did it because it had crossed the line from being a healthy, fun social activity to a full blown distraction in my life. Please hear me: I fully believe FB is a wonderful social media site that has many useful possibilities in relationships and businesses. I still am managing my social media marketing page (SugarPlum Ltd.), my grief outreach page ("that which was lost") and the Ballet Ariel page. I have, however, made the decision to temporarily step back totally from my personal page.
In case you are wondering what the difference is between "deletion" and "deactivation," deletion means exactly that-- you can no longer retrieve your profile, pictures, info, and anything you've posted. Deactivation means you are switching it off with the option of coming back later to your profile, without deleting any data.
As I shared in a previous post (http://eslingers.blogspot.com/2012/03/sounds-of-silence-day-one-of.html), I have been deeply struck with the amount of silence I hear in my head. It is no longer ringing with the sound of other people's voices. And, being a half-extrovert, it has been a bit disconcerting. I love hearing about other people, being in the know, and conversing with friends about their lives online using the written word. Last night I had a dream that I had a hole in my forehead measuring about three inches in diameter, which showed a small space completely EMPTY inside my skull. I'm pretty sure my subconscious was pointing out my FB withdrawal symptoms. There is a figurative hole where all that used to be. Addictions are powerful little things.
So what to do now?
The instant gratification of hearing back from people, the comments and interaction that I have been so used to on FB, is suddenly gone. And honestly, there is a bit of loneliness that comes along with that.
The freedom I've been feeling from being tied to a website, however, is fighting the addicted side that wants to immediately get plugged back in. Another positive of the situation is that I am enjoying my face to face time with people in a much deeper way. So, I plan to keep blogging about this deactivation journey as I walk on. I wonder how many people out there have had this same, similar, or a completely different FB experience? Tell me about it!
9 comments:
I have taken two 'breaks' from FB in the last year. I full agree its lonely I found that the first week is the hardest. After about that week the addiction to check had diminished. I did stop checking FB from my phone and only do it from my computer. not sure that's any better.
Good to hear that it's better after the first week. I think it is great you only check it from your computer. I uninstalled FB on my phone so I wouldn't be tempted to log on from there... So far it is working...
I have noticed that not having a "smart" phone has caused me to realize just how distracted it made me . . . ALWAYS wanting to check FB or other sites. I have not had experience with deactivating my FB account, but I have thought about ONLY using it to post pictures of kids for my family . . . and I do agree with the whole "addiction" side of it . . . I have found myself wanting to check it in A LOT during the day and I think I need to seriously consider what to do about that so I don't become distracted and miss what Ashton is doing ;)
My addiction on my phone is my scrabble and words with friends...Everytime I get in the car with my phone Todd sighs and says can't you leave that at home? The past few times we've gone out I just left my phone at home...so much easier :D
@abigail: I totally agree that phones are a big part of being tied to FB these days.
@Jess, you are too funny :). I've never tried Words With Friends but it looks kind of fun.
I lost interest one day. I check facebook about twice a week for maybe a few minutes scroll though a couple of photos and rarely post anymore. I have no idea why I lost interest, b/c I used to be crazy about facebook...for me the idea just wore off...
I did feel lonely and kind of sad that I couldn't see other people's updates. But I had made it a point to keep in touch with people through other means, and I think two weeks after my deletion of FB, I've gotten to like spending time with others or just taking care of my other responsibilities. It's nice to have less "noise" like you said. =)
EV- I know a lot of people that have had the same experience.
Anni- totally agree about the noise!
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