Well folks. I did it.
I successfully went an entire week without Facebook and five days without email.
How did I do that?
Well, I must admit I did have a little bit of help.
Last week, my family and I decided to go camping. The first spot was great; and we stayed there for two days. Although there was cell phone coverage at this location, I was too busy hiking, fishing or roasting marshmallows over a campfire with my kids to bother with my phone.
I did take one phone call from Matthew’s new school, and looked at some messages, but that was it. I vowed to stay away from the Facebook and emails if at all possible; and truly make it an off-the-grid vacation. A much needed one.
During the next three days, this proved even easier. Thanks to the new camping location, there was no cell-phone coverage available.
I didn’t even look at my phone the entire time. Not that I had any time. Once again, I was too busy enjoying nature by hiking, swimming and playing game with my family.
Then I started thinking about just how addicted, I guess I can use that word, I was to my phone. I am not nearly as bad as a teenager or even some of my friends, but still I can’t help thinking I was using my cell phone way too much.
Lately, I’ve noticed just how attached I have become to electronics and I must say I am a little embarrassed at just how much I look at my phone throughout the day. It has gotten to the point where as soon as a commercial starts playing on the television I pick up my phone to look at emails or Facebook updates.
Wow. I may have gotten a tad bit out of hand, but I am trying to reel it in.
The reason I am on Facebook is to keep in touch with my friends and family who live in other states and even other countries, but do I really need to sift through hundreds of statuses about people’s days. No. I have a newsflash for all Facebook users out there -- No one wants to know what you are doing every two hours. I have some friends who make about 15 posts a day. I can honestly say I don’t read all of them. Also, I have friends who seem to think Facebook is a journal. No folks it is not a journal, it is open for all to see.
I must also admit that when I am feeling down in the dumps, the last place I should be is on Facebook. All the time, people are posting statuses about how great their lives are and when I am feeling sad I don’t need that. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy that my friend’s are happy, but sometimes it’s almost like they are rubbing it in my face. Unintentionally of course.
Then, I have the friends who like to bash their former places of employment on Facebook. Once again. Not a good idea at all. Especially, if you are looking for a new job. People can see these posts on their Facebook page, including future employers do look at them. I just want to tell my friends maybe that is why no one will hire them, because they don’t want to be bashed publicly if it doesn’t work out, but I don’t. I hold my tongue.
I would just like to caution people as to what they are putting on Facebook. If it isn’t something you want everyone to know, then you probably shouldn’t post it.
With all of these Facebook status posts, it is no wonder why I felt so free for the week. Away from all the drama of my friend’s lives.
Will I get on Facebook again?
Yes.
In fact, I will probably do so after work and post something about me going a whole week without it. I will probably also apologize to my Facebook friends for missing any important news that may have happened that week. The truth is I use Facebook a lot for work; and since the world isn’t going to change its Facebook ways anytime soon, I guess I will continue to use it.
Maybe just not as much. Or at least that is what my intentions are now.
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