I recently took a hiatus from Facebook. I didn’t announce it. I told a few people who I thought should know, but really, I did it in quiet.
I did it because I felt like I was losing a sense of being able to hear my own thoughts. I spent my time scrolling past other people’s thoughts, rants, feelings, political views, food choices, etc. And realized I wasn’t thinking about anything. At times I took on their feelings (especially in the political rants), because I am that freaking sensitive to other people’s feelings. They can become my own.
But worse, I felt that I lost a sense of God’s voice, His presence. I know He is always there, but I wasn’t abiding in Him.
So what did I lose while Facebook was an entity out there and not on my phone?
I lost touch with some friends. I missed the birth of a few babies. I missed birthdays. I missed anniversaries.
I lost hilarious memes and videos.
I lost every person’s political opinion (but don’t worry, I read lots of magazines to gather what everyone was saying).
I lost the time spent scrolling on my phone.
I lost Facebook at the beach today. So good…
But I gained so much.
I gained being able to easily look up from a task in order to look my kids in the eye. Sometimes it’s so hard to tear my eyes from a screen. I don’t know why, it just is.
I gained a sense of choice in what I view or read. It wasn’t picked for me by an algorithm.
I gained friendship because I actually texted people directly – and then called them! Real conversation.
I’m not sure how I’ll go forward. Maybe I will lose all of Facebook someday. I think I would be ok.
Until then, I’ll keep laughing at videos like this.
I needed that.
Have you ever signed off of Social Media? What did you lose? Or gain?
This post was inspired by the Five Minute Friday Prompt: Lose. Every week, we join together and free-write for five minutes. No edits. No second guesses. Please join us! It’s one of the most encouraging groups on the web – and if I went completely offline I’d miss them dearly.
I enjoyed your post. Some great insights! I recently started a new job, so I have less time for Facebook than I used to. And, honestly, I don’t really miss it that much either. I check it daily – but the during-the-day Facebook time has gone by the wayside. Keep up the good work. – Sarah (visiting from Five Minute Friday)
I know my working friends don’t spend much time on Facebook – I’m a SAHM (working on the writing gig) so I find myself navigating towards it throughout my days. It’s frustrating. Thanks for your encouragement!
Yes!!!!! To quietly leaving Facebook. I have done this many times for many of the same reasons you outlines. I think it’s needed now more than ever since people seem to take social media as the new way of discourse. It’s so weird, but grace. Here’s to leaning in and getting quiet enough to hear God’s voice. Thank you for these words. I was encouraged!
Thank you for encouraging me! My sister closed her account completely and I don’t think I can do that, but I need to self-regulate. That’s for sure. I hope you can find your own time to listen and discern the truth in your own life.
I think we all could benefit from a social media break. So often we are too tied to our phones. I know I’m just as guilty as the next person. Great reminder. I’m over in the #3 spot this week.
I’ve heard of people leaving their phones and computers off on the Sabbath. I think that’s a compelling idea. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Oh yes, how I recognize what you share here. I once took more than a year off Facebook. It was the most wonderful experience…I had felt nudged to do so by God and it ushered in an amazing period of rest, unearthing and healing in my life, as I drew closer to God and away from the noise.
I returned in October 2015 to join the Write 31 Days Challenge…but have taken shorter breaks at times, feeling called to do so. Each time has brought blessings. It’s hard though, because Facebook has also been a place of blessing for me, connecting me to other Christians worldwide and to online Bible studies and book launch teams…all things that have drawn me closer to God also. I’ve decided to let God guide me when to stay and when to retreat.
An entire year! Wow! I have also connected with groups through facebook and some of them (like my writers guild) I can’t imagine going without. At times I’m embarrassed by my struggle to balance my time online, but then I realize I’m human. Thanks for sharing how you took time away. It gives me more to consider.