Leaving Facebook (...sort of)

Ahh ... good ol' Facebook, which started back in 2004 by a few college buddies, has now turned into the world's biggest social media website.  The page had started by only allowing certain college students to join but had eventually made it open to anyone over the age of 13.

I was always big into blogging since 2002 when I discovered a site called Xanga.  I always enjoyed journaling and writing and it was a great place for it.  I wrote my feelings and experiences, joined some groups, met some people from all over the country and it became a great outlet for me.  Then I noticed some of those people were writing about joining Myspace so I gave that a try.  With Myspace I only added people I knew personally (and in real life, not the blogging life).  I was amazed that so many family members were on there and it became such an easy way of keeping in touch with them.  Most of my family are from out of state so being able to see them often or even talk on the phone isn't always practical so this was an easy solution ... and I could hear from them every day.  I also got back in touch with some friends from high school and even elementary school.  How cool was that?  I loved it!  A free, easy and fun way to keep in touch with everyone.  That was my number 1 reason for being on Myspace.  Then everyone started moving over to Facebook and so I did too and I closed my Myspace account when I noticed no one was using it anymore.  Does anyone still do?

Facebook is okay.  It's made many changes since I first joined but it's not so bad.  I like being able to see udpates from others on the newsfeed.  Some post pictures of their growing children, some will write a status on something their kids are doing.  I like those!  Some post quotes that are inspirational or funny.  Sometimes I need the reminder of God's love or simply just a good laugh.  Then there are those who post a status filled with complaints and a lot of whining ... constantly.  I know Facebook offers an unfriend button and I've used it a few times but I don't want to be rude.  I have learned to just ignore the bad and focus on the good.  I love reading updates and seeing pictures that my nieces and nephews post, especially since two of my nieces recently had babies.  I can't see them since they are in another state so this has become my option in staying in touch.  However, it seems all anyone ever posts is complaining ... and let's face it ... it brings me down.

There isn't much good going on in the world of Facebook anymore.  Not a lot of updating from others and when there is it's not something I really care to read.  So with a lot of thought I decided it is time to step away to some degree.  I know if my husband reads this or hears of my news he will be excited.  He hates social media and sees no point in it.  He tells me all the time I shouldn't be on Facebook.  I respect his feelings and understand them but no one is going to keep me away from staying in touch with my family that I miss.  That is why I've ignored his request.  However, these days Facebook is only being used as a place to whine and complain more than it is to post fun and happy things ... so I'm making the decision to spend less time on the site.  No I have no plan to deactivate it, at least not yet.  I've decided to visit the site less often than I do now.  It's become too much of a distraction and my family notices.  Even I have come to notice.

Sometimes I wish Facebook would develop a DISLIKE button.

One morning months ago I was sitting on my couch with my laptop, watching the morning news on TV while sipping on coffee and a segment came on about how many people are addicted to Facebook.  They go on it first thing in the morning and find themselves checking it many times throughout the day.  I found it humorous because at that moment I was on my Facebook page.  I thought to myself uh oh.  At the time my husband had already left for work, I had put my son on the school bus and my daughter was still sleeping.  If they were present they would have said this particular news segment was about ME. 

I have known for a long time that the many times I log into Facebook has become too much and too often.  I have even prayed and talked to God about knowing I should cut my time off there.  Even He has revealed it to me many times in those prayers.  I've tried stepping away ... for hours at a time ... or even a day here and there.  Then I'm sucked right back into it.  Always afraid I'd miss an important update about someone in my family, or a new pictures of my cute little great-nephew or something.  Then I go on and I may see one or two ... but not much.  Nothing worth missing out on moments with my family for.

I'm still not convinced to deactivate and completely leave.  Facebook is good for some things and I intend on sticking around.  If I completely shut down I'd lose that connection with my family in New York and it would be hard for me.  I miss those people so much and I'm lucky if I get to see them at least once a year (since traveling to and from NY is soooooooo expensive it's hard for us and also for them).  I also enjoy seeing updates from friends who I don't get to see often either.  I even post pictures of my own kids from time to time so they can see how much they are growing.  But I believe I'll be done with that unless it's something of importance.

I've lost interest for the most part.  Facebook is no longer fun.  My time needs to be devoted off the computer and with my family.  I also need to focus more on housework.  We're getting ready to do a full kitchen makeover so that's going to consume me.  Hey, maybe less time on Facebook means more time for blogging?  I'm not giving this up.

How much time do you spend on Facebook?