What A Month Away From Facebook Revealed To Me
Last month I decided to step away from Facebook, you can read why and how hard that task was here.
So a month on I wanted to share what a month away from Facebook revealed to me. In most cases these are simple statements of fact, I will leave you to draw your own conclusions.
- Not a single one of my over 1000 'Friends' asked me where I had gone or if I was OK. I had left a note to say I was walking away from Facebook but I doubt all of them saw that.
- Some people tried to continue to contact me through Facebook Messenger but as I did not respond the question simply went away or they used good old fashion email to contact me.
- Although a prolific Facebook user the price of Facebook stock did not decline.
- Every world leader, political party and brand continued to function without the need for my opinion.
- I stopped receiving invites to sign petitions, take part in quizzes and other social games. However, it seems that nothing has changed because of this including my IQ.
- I have reclaimed about an hour a day of my life as I no longer scroll aimlessly down my Facebook feed just in case there's something that grabs my attention for a moment, be that a plane crash, outrageous political decisions or a cat playing the guitar.
- Which leads me to my next point - I now have less noise and more focus that allows to me to think more clearly about the things that matter in both my business and personal life.
- I feel less anxious, less angry, and less distracted. My productivity has gone through the roof since leaving Facebook.
- I'm more present in the real world and my real friends have the attention my online friends were getting when I was using Facebook.
- Finally, I don't miss it and certainly don't feel like I'm missing out.
As I said at the outset of this article these are my findings, make of them what you will. If like me you are feeling less at ease with using Facebook then take a time away from it and see what it does for your life - mine has improved, your life may improve too.
Ironically I'm going to share this on Facebook knowing that most of the people who may benefit from reading this are still using Facebook as I was.
Freelance developer working on Audio Applications and Solutions
7 年Nice. I've pretty much stopped this year too. I still pop on, usually when I'm in the loo, and still use messenger but that’s about it.
Post Production Manager and Head of Sound at UCLA Film Department
7 年I gave both Facebook and Google up when I read about their choice to allow racists and bigots to target their advertising to fellow racists and bigots. That was months ago and I sincerely do not regret it. Glad you've traveled a similar path and reached a similar conclusion.
Chief of Security Operations for Eastern Europe and Eurasia, International Security Strategist. Senior Executive Leader with over 25 years of expertise in global security operations.
7 年Your example is great. I found that my times off-line and talking to people direct, face-to-face were more productive. Technology has a place in our society but people are still the key to success.
Recording and Mixing Engineer, Atmos Mixing
7 年I didn’t follow up my Facebook message as I don’t have your email. But I'll pester you at the Presonus event.
Director / Editor
7 年Well written and mirrors my feelings at the moment, but I haven't taken the plunge and switched off yet. Are you coming to BVE this year in London? Would be great to see you. Thank you for sharing this mate.