This morning, as I do most mornings, I arrived to work my usual fifteen minutes early. I snuggled myself in to my office, opened my files, email, and fired up the web browser. Then I almost mindlessly typed in f-a-c-e, and the rest manifested itself. Facebook. So, I began the trek of scrolling, reading, and taking in every detail until I felt satisfied. Only this morning did I realize it is not ever really satisfaction that I am experiencing. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
This is a relevant link. It is for clicking.
I don’t think I ever made the conscious observation that sifting though people’s Facebook posts could be making me feel less of myself. Nonetheless this is happening. Now, I am a pretty confident and positive person. I have some truely outstanding friends, few yes, but outstanding. I am intelligent and employed (whew). I don’t have a negative self image outside of Victoria Secret, etc. You get the point. This is exactly why this article had me a little taken aback. Not only did it confirm what I was ignoring but made me feel a bit relieved at the same time, knowing I am not the only one experiencing this. Basically, Facebook is your cool older sibling having a slumber party. He will gladly let you in the room to see what is going on, only eventually to remind you that you weren’t the one with enough friends to have a slumber party of your own. Then he gives you a wedgie or something.
The solution obviously would be to simply get my ass off Facebook so much. Simple right? Not exactly. This requires options for taking action. One – I could quit cold turkey. Considering I still have a pack of Camel Turkish Silvers in my purse, I think this option is a bit too ambitious of me. Two - find an alternative activity that is similar, yet less destructive (how you doin’ WordPress *wink*). Sounds much better than cold turkey. And if nothing else, three – I can use this depression effect and turn it into fuel. I can take photos. I can join a cause. I can learn to play the drums. I can fly somewhere for the weekend. I can show off my obsession with TheChive. Had to throw that one in there. I can be just as happy as I perceive all the people on my news feed to be, but resist from feeling the need to show it off in the same manner.
Here is my point: It takes a conscious effort, but if you have experienced this self loathing as a result of the damn brag-fest that is Facebook, try out one of my suggested solutions. I am currently working on #2 and #3. Or, you could always go to Google+. You’ll be the only one there, making you the happiest most beautiful and successful person out of all those in your circle of you. WIN!
Related articles
- Why Give Up Facebook for Lent, or Ever? (readwriteweb.com)
- Facebook gave me writers’ block (guardian.co.uk)
- My Name Is John And I’m A Facebookaholic (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
- Does Facebook Have A Dark Side? (miami.cbslocal.com)
Nice post, Becca! I think the answer is complicated because we’re already on this ship and the only way is forward. But our relationship to technology and social media may need an adjustment. Right now, it feels bingey and unhealthy. Hopefully, we can get a little more used to it and ease up on how much we let it dominate and influence our lives. Here’s hoping…
Thanks for reading and giving some feedback! For me, it becomes a bit obsessive only because I am interested in the mechanics and behind the scenes aspects of social media and the sort, but that is mainly because of my career interests and marketing background.
I’ve never understood all the hoopla about Facebook!
Great post, though!
WordPress is way cooler
As an ex-FB user, I couldn’t be happier.
Good luck on reclaiming your freedom!
Good for you! Thanks.