Why I Stopped Using Facebook.

I personally don’t use Facebook anymore. Well, that’s not entirely true. Let me explain.

I Have Facebook

I have to use Facebook for work and I’ve forgotten how many sites I use Facebook Connect to login to. I don’t even know my YAMU password, I login with Facebook.

In a sense, Facebook is a utility, like a national ID card. It’s a form of Internet ID, as is a working email account, and you just need it to get into stuff. I certainly know people that don’t have FB accounts at all (like my sister), but I’m not there yet.

I Don’t Use Facebook

At the same time, I never use Facebook. That is, I rarely open the feed and I almost never consume content there. Why?

1. The Sisyphian Scroll

Facebook is designed to keep me scrolling and also to ensure that I never really leave. So there are some interesting things, but always the promise of something more interesting further down, or later on, so you keep going on, and coming back… but why? 

I found that I was thinking about a hundred things a day but not actually thinking very much.

2. Negativity

On a daily basis, the news is stuff that enrages or bothers people (Sri Lankans seem to have a real thing for car crashes, for example) or gets their attention. There are positive things like kittens or butts, but in general it doesn’t make you happier. Like it or not, Facebook is a major source of news, and thus of negativity.

The second thing is that people on Facebook can be awful. Text is not a good method for communicating nuance and a lot of people sound rude or mean, even if they don’t mean to be. Some people actually are mean. There are these endless rabbit holes of comment wars you can observe or get into where nobody learns anything or changes their mind. You just leave feeling angry, and it takes time out of the actual day.

So that’s why I don’t open my news feed. Sometimes I check (like in order to write this) and I can literally feel the gravity of the thing, pulling me down, down, down the page. Once I cut that out I have more time to, like, read books, or talk to people, and think. And I feel better.

I Doubt Facebook Misses Me

When I started using Facebook it required a University ID. Now it is open to everyone and connects I think over a billion people, which is a wonderful achievement. And they’re profitable, so truly, I admire them, and Zuck.

I just don’t like using it anymore. There are more people like me, and Facebook does have a problem with people sharing less personal stuff, but the question is whether that’s a big enough problem to let go of the successful business they have. And whether it’s an opportunity for someone else. 

I think Facebook the company may want to change, but being a business, I don’t think market forces really require it to. People have been complaining about TV being bad for you for like 50 years and people still watch hours of TV every day. Perhaps Facebook is just something like that. Perhaps it's not bad for you at all.

I don’t know. I’m old. Perhaps I just don’t have that much to share and I’m trying to tack a broader trend on to that. I do know that I haven’t (really) used Facebook for a few months now and I feel much better. I’d say it might work for you, but who knows. Perhaps it’s something you could debate on Facebook.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide