FIVETRIBE

I began weaning myself off Facebook last Friday afternoon. My reasoning behind this decision was outlined in this post. Initially I decided to leave my profile up but I soon realised that was going to be a problem as I was tempted to *pop in* and see what my friends were up to. I suspended my account. This decision illicited a remarkable response.... Within minutes I was contacted via email and smses - all with differing responses to my decision - either respect, ridicule, concern or confusion. Bizarre but true. The first 12 hours or so were tough. My overwhelming feeling can only be described as feeling like there was a party going on in the next room and I wasnt able to join in the festivities. I felt isolated and left out. And yet I was at home with my family . The most important people in my world. On Saturday I reactivated my profile to use the chat function to interact with a friend who is going through a trauma. Of course a few friends could see my presence and immediately t...

I made a big decision today. It has been a long time coming but reading this blog post by Lightseeker was the catalyst for me. (go read it quickly and come back right away okay?) ****************** I have taken a Facebook break. I am not swearing off it forever because that would be dumb and irrational and silly. Facebook, in moderation, is fabulous. I love being in touch with so many people - some I only relate to via fb because distance separates us. This does not, however, detract from a meaningful friendship. Here is the problem. I am a facebook addict. I check it in the morning. I check it in the night. I check it in the Pick n Pay queue. I check it in the parking lot. I check it while the kettle boils. I check it while I eat or drink tea (if alone). I justify this by saying that I am not doing anything else so why not? It is not hurting anyone. Or is it? It is no secret that I am wired for media. I crave it. I immerse myself in it at any given opportunity. I seldom read real b...