I got Facebook when I was in 9th grade, 14 years ago. 14 years on social media! That is half of my life, so it's kind of hard to remember what it was like without Facebook, but I didn't have a smart phone until 2009, so Facebook was something I would get on once a day from my parents' desktop computer in the kitchen. It wasn't something I was checking several times a day. Then I'd say in 2015 I started using Instagram. I didn't love it at first, but then it became an addiction just like Facebook.
Like I said, it's embarrassing to admit, but I feel okay admitting it because I know that this is the case for the vast majority of people my age. Actually, I'd wager to say it's an issue for people about 16-60 years old, if not an even wider range than that.
So, I'd been considering it off and on for months and months. I thought maybe I'd just delete the apps from my phone and check it daily on my computer, but I never got around to it. 15 days ago I was at a meeting for a new Discipleship Group that our church is starting. Pastor John said he had broken his Facebook addiction. He was talking about spending 15 minutes a day in the Word. A lot of us don't feel like we have time for that, but we spend well over 15 minutes a day looking at social media. Ouch! The truth hurts, huh? So I went home that night and disabled both accounts.
Honestly, the first couple of days were difficult. What was I supposed to do when I waited in car line to pick up Sarah? What was I supposed to do when Robert hopped up to grab something? What was I supposed to do while watching TV? Actually pay attention to the show so I'm not confused? Now that's a concept!
I've found myself checking the news a bit more than usual. It's definitely not as much time as I spent on social media. Robert teases me because our concepts of news worthy topics are very different, but I'm still learning stuff!
I'm a pretty antsy person, so it is hard for me to only focus on one thing. I've been crocheting while watching TV which I think is productive. Crocheting is something that's always calmed me down. I've also been reading in the evening before bed.
So what have I learned from my first two weeks without social media?
- Genuinely no one cares that I'm not on it. Ouch. Not a single person has said, "Hey, I've noticed you aren't posting on Facebook/Instagram." Wait, you mean people aren't actually dying to know every detail of my fascinating life? I'm shocked! I text pictures to family and share important information with my actual friends in person when I see them on a regular basis. Those are the only people who really need to know what's going on in my life.
- I haven't actually missed anything important in other people's lives. Sure, I don't know that a person I haven't seen in 10 years got a new job out of state (fictional example), but did I really even need to know that? If there is something going on in a person's life, a real friend will tell me in person, call me, or at least text me.
- I'm not thinking about crafting a great post or taking an impressive picture. Sure takes the pressure off!
- I'm getting more sleep because I don't check Facebook "just one more time" before bed for 15 minutes. Screen time at night messes up your sleep so much!
- My neck feels better. Seriously. No more straining!
- I'm enjoying more mental quiet time. It's okay to be bored, day dream, or think about nothing from time to time. It's good for you to have some mental down time.
I'm in no way trying to condemn people on social media, but I do know that if you're like me it's hard to get a grip on it. If you feel an urge to take a break, go for it! If I can do it, you can do it! If you want to do it along with me, feel free to contact me. I'd love to encourage you!
