I cancelled my Facebook account two weeks ago. And I don’t miss it a bit. The Facebook honeymoon, for me, was over very quickly. I re-connected with a few people that I haven’t seen in years, but I’m pretty sure I could have found them using other means.
I didn’t love the incessant flow of information… some of it very personal… on my screen. And then there was the scary spam that kept showing up from one of my “friends” on Facebook. I did not want whatever virus she was carrying! I am content with a handful of a few close friends and a yearly Christmas card from others.
I enjoy the blog experience much more because it’s deeper and I my faithful readers are few and cherished. I make it a rule to read just a handful of blogs and to visit in person with friends at least once a week.
But, to each his own. I’m sure Facebook will go on without me. And so will all 135 of my Facebook friends. People with different personalities than mine will continue to be very happy there. A good friend of mine said that Facebook gave her support and companionship at a level she could maintain. She was grateful for the means it gave her to feel supported by friends as she worked late at night. It’s really a testament to the fundamental need we have for connection with others. Facebook, for me, didn’t offer what I needed. It gave the impression of connection, but it was too superficial for my taste.
Post edit addition:
Knowledge can be a burden. Knowing the needs and worries of so many people was also a burden for me. I regretted if I couldn’t meet someone’s need because of distance or time. Maybe you have felt that way, too. Sometimes we have to take a break from too much knowledge and focus on the people in our immediate circle.