What to do about Facebook
Fun fact: I will undoubtedly share this post on Facebook and Twitter. I might even mention it on Instagram. Why? Because I'm addicted to social media and I have a problem.
Graphic by Ken Murphy via Boing BoingI could probably go into detail why I should give up all social media completely. But today I want to focus on Facebook. Of all the social media platforms I'm addicted to, I feel like Facebook is the most toxic. For every cute baby and kitten, there are three negative political memes. Bombarded by inauthenticity and a curated newsfeed, I often leave green with envy for what I don't have, skills I don't possess and a life I cannot acquire. Lured back by "likes" which give me a false sense of affirmation, I find I'm scrolling through the exact same mumbo-jumbo. What concerns me most is that I'm spending my time somewhere I don't really want to be and ignoring my real life in the process. It's all so exhausting and a waste of time.A few months ago I shared a list of annual goals. At the top of this list was the desire to step away from social media. First on the chopping block: the evil, the sinister, the time-sucking gargoyle called Facebook.For awhile, I did really great. I took it off my phone and found a widget to limit my use on my desktop (after all, I still needed to pop online for my business). And guess what? I felt super awesome. It was like this horrible weight was lifted from my shoulders. My confidence crept up. My productively soared. I saw my children's eyeballs.Then after 3 months, I allowed myself to creep back on the time-sucking beast and BAM! before I knew it I was scrolling through my newsfeed commenting on political posts and feeling upset because my life and business are not as put together as the other guy.Back in more idyllic times, I viewed Facebook as the village courtyard. A place where all sorts of people gathered, talked about their days, their dogs and their dreams. I still love that I can ask if my Facebook friends if they have recommendations on a plumber. Viewing the everyday lives of my friends and family, scattered all over the globe, is really special. Easily knowing the happenings in our local community is a big perk.All of the positives, however, don't make up for the feeling of helplessness after I find myself scrolling through facebook, not knowing how I got there or how long I've been staring at the screen. It's a real-life addiction, and I know what I need to do. I need to leave Facebook completely. Cut off myself. Say "sayonara Señor Gargoyle".But, then there is the matter of Britta the Photographer. Can I run a successful photography business and not be on Facebook? How will I find new clients? Will my existing clients forget me if they aren't reminded that I'm still around? These are the questions that plague me, that hold me back from making what I know would be the right decision.The other day, my friend Penny recommended I listen to a podcast series by husband & wife photography duo We are the Parsons. Their podcast, The Boredom Experiment, centers around their decision to cut themselves off completely from social media. Like myself, they found themselves isolated from their family and insecure about their work. The podcast (you really should have a listen) is thoughtfully done and their experience breaking out of the social media loop has eased my reluctance to abandon social media.While I know I'm not ready to totally delete all social media sites from my life, I've decided that what's needed is a proper sabbatical from Facebook. I'll retain Messenger for personal correspondence (it's been a great way to connect with a few important people in my life) and I'll keep my business page updated with new blog posts (which I can do without actually visiting). Otherwise, from today going forward I'm taking a break. A long break. A break that will last through the summer, and who knows? Maybe longer.In its place? I'm going to live my own story, ride my bike and have real-life coffee dates. I'm going to hug my kids and listen to their words. Sure, I'm still going to divulge in Netflix binge watching but instead of telling you about it on Facebook, I can discuss it with you in person. Maybe at the end of this personal experiment, nothing will change. But my hope is for a clearer head and a release from an unhealthy habit. Who knows? Maybe I'll even delete my Facebook page.How has Facebook, or other social media platforms, influenced your life? Share your experiences in the comments.