Free from Facebook folly

Deactivating Facebook: refreshing like vacation

Facebook is one of the largest websites in the world. There are more Facebook members than the entire population of the United States. Half of the users sign in on a daily basis. Can you think of a more global activity? Or a more addictive one? You can refuse to join Facebook, but you can’t avoid Facebook.

Although Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD) is not an official medical diagnosis, it is considered by many psychologists across the U.S. as a new mental disorder. There are actual programs and places that are devoted to curing Internet addictions. How do you know if you have a Facebook addiction? If it interferes with the basic pillars of life, such as eating, sleeping, working and interacting.

I personally don’t skip meals or lose sleep over Facebook, but I will say, it is one hell of a distraction. That’s why, a few weeks ago, I decided to do what I’ve never done before. I deactivated my Facebook account.

It is now April, one month left until the end of the semester. Mingled along with feelings of anticipation for summer, are growing feelings of dread, as I am faced with the endless amounts of final exams, papers and presentations. I deactivated my account for practical and symbolic reasons – like a plaque that says, “Time to get your ass in gear.”

Now that I’ve been able to live a Facebook free life, I’ve gained some perspective one how useful the site really is, and how much of an impact it actually had on my life.

The pros of not having a Facebook account were immediately apparent. Free time? I think I’ll do some homework. Can’t sleep? Maybe I’ll read a book. Lonely? I think I’ll go hangout with some flesh and blood people. Bored and in class? I might actually pay attention.

All of the empty moments in life that I used to fill with mindless Facebook socializing are now filled with more productive activities. These little moments have added up, and I actually feel more focused and accomplished.

If there is no ice cream in the freezer, you wont get fat. It’s the same kind of logic. My mind feels noticeably leaner.

It’s taken longer, but the cons of not having a Facebook have also become apparent. As frivolous as Facebook can be, there are some truly useful aspects to the site.

I’m now reminded of how tedious it is to keep in touch with loved ones in different countries. It’s been a while since I had to calculate the cost of long distance phone calls and time differences. Sure, there are other means of communication, such as regular-old email, or even video chat sites like Skype, but to me, Facebook is still the easiest way to keep in touch long distance. Facebook provides photos, videos, status updates, comments and everything else you need to see how a person is doing without actually having to ask them.

It’s also been a sorely missed journalism tool, as it’s easy to contact a person, organization or band through the site.

All in all, deactivating my account has simplified and, so far, improved my life. I’m no longer tempted by people, places and parties that could be. I’m living my life locally and in the present, surrounding myself with people who have my phone number and take the time to call.

In May, after school is over, I will probably reactivate my account, but until then, I will live my life in a new kind of peace.

To deactivate your Facebook, just go to your account setup and press deactivate. Facebook will maintain all of your information, friends and photos until you decide to reactivate.