Sometimes you have to know your limits

Last week I deactivated my Facebook account. It felt liberating but also a little scary. It was scary because I don't know what people are saying about me in my absence. Probably nothing, but I get kind of paranoid.

There are several reasons I did it:

1. Politics: The current political mood is so negative and I am tired of hearing about it. I did not go on Facebook to argue politics. I wanted to see things that uplifted me and catch up on what is happening in the lives of my friends and acquaintances. But my friends and acquaintances could not seem to stop arguing politics. I'm hopeful that after the election everyone will just chill out.

2. Cyber bullying: This is sort of related to the political mood. I firmly believe that it is wrong to call people names and belittle them because of their political beliefs no matter how much you disagree. It was extremely upsetting to see people I know and respect behaving in that way. I had a hard time just scrolling by when I saw someone doing that. Recently, I spoke up and boy was that a mistake. Standing up to an online bully only has one outcome: the bully targets you instead.

3. Self-control: Some would argue that I have complete power over the amount of time I spend on social media. That's technically true, but the fact is that I was addicted. If it's at my finger tips, I will spend too much time looking at it. It will effect my emotions and distract me from my REAL life. I don't trust myself to stay away. Sometimes you have to know your limits. It's healthier to spend time building relationships with friends and family who you actually see face-to-face on a regular basis. I was definitely spending way too much time on social media and ignoring the people who are right in front of me.

4. Happiness: Facebook was not making me feel happy. It almost always made me feel anxious (see the above reasons.) Life is too short to waste time on things that don't bring you joy.

People have survived without social media for thousands of years. If you find yourself ignoring the real world in favor of a virtual world take a step back and examine your priorities. Is it really worth your time?