I’ve been thinking of quitting Facebook. It’s been around for my entire adult life and my first photo album was of our wedding in 2008.
I’ve grown as it has, spread my wings in the world as it has developed its massive reach into people’s lives and displayed their wares.
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Let me tell you why I have a continual love-hate relationship with Facebook, and maybe you can tell me whether I should let it go?
1. Pixels
Before smartphones, my point-and-shoot digital camera was all I had. Our travels to South Korea soon changed that, and suddenly I could capture images in sharp colour and perfect detail with all my beautiful discoveries.
I had to store those pictures, and unfortunately, hard drives are not as hardy as everyone thinks. I’ve lost several between eleven moves, two countries, two children, and countless devices. Where are the best of those photos now? Mostly on Facebook.
2. Memories
Facebook has this great feature that lets you see ‘1 year ago today’ sort of posts. It reminds you how much life has changed in that time. It’s a beautiful feeling to see progress in full colour. One click and all your ‘life events’ are there for a cup of coffee and reflection.
3. Market
I regularly buy stuff from other people in my area on Facebook Marketplace, whether secondhand or new, in town or needing a courier. It’s good for my family, my wallet, the person or small business I’m supporting, and my carbon footprint.
4. Knowledge
Besides scrolling, I primarily use Facebook to educate myself about birds, bugs, snakes, trees, TED topics, and parenting stuff. I have learned so much in the past few years – there’s even a predation records SA group of one creature eating another that is truly fascinating.
There was recently a secretary bird strangled by the snake it was trying to eat (I’m not joking). It was just like the poster my mother always had on the wall that said, “Never give up” with a frog’s hands holding a stork’s throat closed so that it couldn’t be swallowed.
5. Inspiration
Facebook inspires me daily with quotes, people, new songs, cooking videos, educational resources for my children, and stories. It tells me about good people trying to make a difference in our country, and motivates my own efforts.
So, what’s the problem?
1. It takes up far too much of my time.
2. It distracts me from work and family.
3. It fosters meaningless connections that bring no value.
4. It sometimes makes me compare myself to others.
5. It spreads fake information and misrepresentations of others’ lives.
6. It is addictive and intrusive.
7. It is dangerous to put my children’s faces or information on public platforms that can be shared, downloaded, and traced easily enough.
8. It puts my life on display in ways that make me feel inadequate.
9. It gives me a reason to justify my sedentary downtime instead of getting out, exercising, or appreciating the garden.
What would you do?
HAVE YOUR SAY
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