I did something last week that I never thought I would do. It even took Scott by surprise. It really isn't that big a deal - I merely deactivated my facebook account.I know, hard to imagine that I of all people - lover of the clever status update - would take a break from facebook. And twitter. And my *gasp* blackberry. Not to say I'm not reading email and bidding on pandora beads on ebay like a fiend, I am absolutely still technically available. Just not as readily available as I used to be.
I'm not sure what the tipping point was. but I started to feel like too many people had access to me. Social media can be informative, funny, interesting and a great way to keep in touch with your friends. But it can also be a way for people to keep tabs on what you are up to, make casual, uniformed comments, or hit you from multiple channels when they want to get hold of you NOW. As someone who is trying to keep a lot of balls in the air on any given day, that can be very overwhelming. What I didn't expect was the outpouring of concern I received when I ditched facebook. The number of emails I got asking if I was okay made me realize how many people give a shit about me and my family.
So, yes I am okay. My family is okay too. If you want the details, feel free to email me - I might even email you back. ;-)
I find it so hard to keep up with the constant stream of white noise that is the Facebook news feed that when I actually want to check on someone, I'll email them or go to their actual blog, which is what I'm doing now :)
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, (and don't take this in any other way than that Facebook is too convoluted), I didn't notice you had left. However, I've been reading this blog almost every day :)
I'm glad to hear you're all doing ok! (and I look forward to more blog posts ... when you have time, on your own terms, of course ;)
cheers!
Me too.. HATED IT.. What ever happened to just picking up the phone to chat? Those days were much better, less stressful, and we were a better society to each other, I think..
ReplyDeletejust stumbled upon your site. I like your autism blog and share your mission statement with all my heart.
ReplyDeleteI never really liked Facebook. Twitter is much better for quick communication, links, and blatant self-promotion. Also, you don't have to follow everybody who follows you.
ReplyDeleteScott
I use it now only for shameless blog promotion. Never an avid user (or creeper) on facebook.
ReplyDeleteGood decision.
I like Facebook, but I have really strict rules about how I use it and who I am "friends" with (has to be someone I know in some capacity other than Facebook! and I am only friends with people I legitimately like, not people I dislike and want to spy on!)
ReplyDeleteAs someone who very rarely talks on the phone (except with you!) I like sending messages and comments to friends who live in other cities and seeing people's photos and statuses. I'm not as fond of Twitter, but it seems to have its uses too! I am notoriously unreachable in all other arenas, so I guess it evens out! :)
As a teacher, I am excited that my school board is now including "digital citizenship" as a main topic of character instruction and hopefully (soon) it's very own subject strand (under science and technology). Good thinking, FF. Keep thinking about what you do digitally!
ReplyDeleteA. xo