Leaving Facebook (and not looking back)

Apparently this “reactions” thing is a big deal. I don’t know. I don’t look.

I mean, I have an account. And I check it from time to time — say once a month, max. Simply to see if there’s a message from people I haven’t specifically given access to my beloved inbox.

But really, from the outside looking in, it’s just simply not appealing. Those I know who use Facebook do not seem to be “in the know” any more than I am, nor do they seem to be happier.

And I’ve asked why. Why use Facebook?

“To keep up with my friends.”

“To see what my kids are doing.”

“To find things to do when I’m bored.”

To be on Facebook.

But I haven’t really logged in to Facebook on a daily basis for over a year now. And none of those things are problems.

I have no problem with these people, and I have no problem with Zuck. In fact, a business partner of mine is involved with Facebook, and I think that’s fine.

But I think it’s worth talking about. I think it’s worth determining if this is truly a universal thing, as it is presented. I believe it’s not.

How is it to be off of Facebook? It’s not drastically different. I don’t feel like the world has been lifted off of my shoulders, and I don’t feel like I’m out of touch either. I simply feel fine. I feel okay without it. Maybe you will feel okay without it.

I feel that I don’t need it. I feel that I don’t want to participate passively.

While I don’t blame Facebook, I have seen people who otherwise have beautifully diverse and dynamic lives get caught up in meaningless drama, on social media, that steals their time away. And this isn’t groundbreaking information — if you’re reading this, you probably have seen the same things occur in people you know.

My challenge is simple: consider your own life and determine the things you actually need, versus the things that you have passively adopted. Am I adamantly against Facebook? No. But do you need it?