Less Facebook, More Personal Connection
Why I deleted the Facebook app from my phone
Because I can live without Facebook
In late 2017 and in 2018, some of my most productive, relaxed weeks were when I didn’t use Facebook at all. I didn’t open the mobile app, and I didn’t visit the website from my laptop. I felt weird about missing milestones, happy moments and sad moments, but there are only so many that one sees in their news feed anyway.
I didn’t make a dramatic announcement before I “left”. Nothing made me storm out in a huff. I didn’t anticipate the break in this relationship. Life happened.
A couple of times, during a lengthy absence, I did leave a short post that essentially said, “Taking a break. Hope you’re all well. Sorry if I’ve missed your birthday. If there’s any news email me.”
When I moved in late 2017 I didn’t touch my computer for over a week. I didn’t announce that either.
Breaking habits without trying to
Last winter, my radio silence began during weeks when I was busy and didn’t give Facebook my time. What prompted my Facebook hiatuses in the summer had more to do with travel. When I was subsequently able to get back to Facebook, I didn’t want to.
For one thing, the volume of notifications was overwhelming.
Another reason for extended hiatuses is that when I was out of the habit of Facebook, I no longer wanted to visit frequently. I was used to not using Facebook.
I did occasionally share articles via third-party apps (before Facebook stopped allowing them) or I’d visit Facebook long enough to post but wouldn’t read.
I should mention that it’s been YEARS since I enabled email notifications from Facebook. However, if I were to pop over to Facebook and see that I had several notifications, I’d often close that browser tab.
Recently, I have been floating back. I’d open it on mobile to scroll while waiting in line somewhere rather than read one of the many books on my Kindle app. I’d open Facebook at home “just because” — although occasionally it’s my first check in a few days.
