Unsocializing with the Social Media

It has been a month since I stepped out of the social media world, and surprisingly, I am doing pretty well. I challenged myself not to use Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram. I thought it would be hard as I’ve never been away from Facebook for more than two days, but here I am, surviving without it. With that, I think I deserve a big pat on the back and a huge bowl of ice cream! Yey! 

Reasons

First and foremost, the move I made was not about someone or anyone who affected my life negatively, but admittedly, they were part of the reasons why I have to quiet myself for a while. The previous year gave me plenty of painful experiences in which when I thought about it was brought about my addiction with these networking sites. Because of wrongful interpretations and over-analysis of posts read, I had been hurt by the people who I thought would never hurt me and in return, I might have also hurt people unintentionally. Not that I blame social media for these unfortunate events but I just felt that I need to distance myself from the noise. It was a sudden decision but I believed it was exactly what I needed, and I was right.

Reactions

A few hours after I deactivated my Facebook account, my parents came up to my room really furious, accused me of deleting them from my list of Facebook friends, and believed that I was hiding something from them. When I told them that I didn’t delete them as it was my account that I deleted, they drew conclusions that I wronged someone, was trying to escape debts and is now in hiding. However calm I was in explaining my reasons, they never understood. It was hilarious and disappointing that they believed I was capable of doing those things, so I eventually gave up and walked out on them. They didn’t speak to me for a few days.

As for my friends, some were really supportive, some were really concerned but most of them think I was crazy. One friend even said that the world may have gone mad for me to do that. Nevertheless, they let me decide and even expressed their support if things go wrong. I do have great friends, and I am beyond grateful that despite of my troubles, I have them to get me through.

Results

The results were amazing! Lol. People were actually finding time and effort to give me a call and send a text message, which seldom happens now. Ghosts, as I fondly call men who only express their admiration through Facebook, are also making that effort to make their presence felt. But that does not impress me much. Haha. It really feels nice to be looked for and be missed. 

Reflections

I didn't distance myself from the noise to meditate and start on a self-realization journey; I did that because I need some quiet time alone. However, I realized that as much as I want my life to be noiseless, it can never happen particularly with the kind of friends and family that I have. Ironically, it was their craziness that helped me find peace in these unquiet times.

Return

Definitely I will return and I plan to do it soon as I just cannot resist the charms of social media. I miss the noise and excitement of Facebook, the fresh gossip on Twitter and the photo diaries of people I follow in Instagram. But ultimately, I just can’t be the last to know what’s happening in my world. Lol. But upon my return, I made a pact with myself to behave, that I will filter the things that I post and will only share what is worth sharing. I am careful not to repeat the mistakes I made before.

So wait for my return! I know you've missed me! 

xoxo