Have you ever considered removing yourself from Facebook (or other social media that takes up a lot of your time) for a month just to see what would happen? I’m hearing more and more people do this and have decided to join them. I plan to disconnect and if I like the results, I may remove myself from it permanently, other than my business page-as the purpose of this page is to share my weekly blog for those who are interested. You may ask why I am doing this, or it may be obvious. Here are some of the reasons why.
- I spend way too much time perusing Facebook. I recognize that it is a waste of time, yet I still continue to do it. I’m sure it has happened to you. You decide to do a quick check and then it continues. Perhaps something pops up-your favorite store is having a sale. How can you resist looking at it? Then before you know it you have spent more time on it than you’d like.
- It’s like an addiction. I know it isn’t good for me, yet I continue to do it. I have tried to limit its usage and I’m good for a few days. But before I know it, I’m back on again checking it multiple times a day.
- It keeps me from doing other things I enjoy. I love reading novels and am in a book club. It is taking me a lot more time to read the monthly book because I haven’t been spending my free time reading. Instead I’m sucked into the Internet.
- My family time decreases. When I’m on social media I go into my own little world and am not aware of what is going on around me. It lessens the time that I could be interacting with my spouse or children. The disconnect should be with the computer, not the people I love.
- I connect less with others. Instead of posting on Facebook or perusing the page of friends and family, I could actually be connecting with them. Having a phone conversation or texting with them would be much more personal and enjoyable.
- I’m spending time with people that are acquaintances. Time is short; I would prefer to spend the bulk of my time interacting with those who are close to me. If I wouldn’t pick up the phone and call you, why would I spend my time liking your posts or hoping that you like mine?
These are just some of the reasons why I’d like to disconnect for a month. My guess is that I will spend more time reaching out specifically to those who matter the most in the world. These are the relationships that are going to give me the most satisfaction and connection. Perhaps this is something you might want to challenge yourself to do too.
Happy New Year!
Debbie Grammas, Ph.D.
