F*#ked Up Facebook

Recently I decided to opt-out of Facebook.  I made this decision for many reasons and had been thinking about it for some time.  Here are my reasons - and bold statements - for opting out (for the most part) of this social networking world.  

Bold statement # 1 - Facebook is a farce.  

It's not a true representation of people's lives.  People's photographs display happy times on sunny beaches, drinks with friends, striking poses, magical trips overseas, and status comments about the latest 'feel good thing' in people's lives.   And, don't forget that long lost friend or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend that you've always wanted to 'catch up' with.  But once you know their happenings and current life status, they go back to the recesses of your mind.  

And you know what? - Life isn't that good, all the time.  In fact, life can be downright shitty at times.  Where is all this on the world of Facebook?  

Bold statement # 2 - Never disagree with someone's status update.

Many Facebook users make politically driven status comments but get pissed when you join their comment loop and add your personal take on the issue.  Whatever happened to Australia been a country of free speech?  Isn't Facebook an open forum?  Or am I only allowed to comment if I agree with your stance and not ruin your politically aligned profile page?

How I have been 'defriended' for committing this Facebook crime.  Shoot me!  Oh that's right ... Australia abolished capital punishment after the questionable hanging of Ronald Ryan.  Thank you Australia for being the forward thinking and humane country that you are.  

Bold statement # 3 - Awaiting friend confirmation is a form of social exclusion. 

To accept or not to accept?  Or for me, it's more about, 'will they accept or won't they accept'? And in some situations, I'm still waiting ... .  What is the social norm for this?  Do I ask when I see them in person why they have not become my friend?  Or, do you accept it for the plain fact that they don't want to be your friend?  In fact, they don't really like you and don't want you to be a part of their secretive Facebook world. 

Bold statement # 4 - Facebook is a timewaster - get your own life.

What joy and realism are we seeking by looking into other people's lives?  Are we only gauging the weaknesses in our own life?  Shouldn't we just get off our backside and live our own sacred lives the way we want to live our lives?

Bold statement # 5 - I admit that there are positives to Facebook.

I do admit to its positives.  It is an effective and efficient way to keep in contact with people.  I particularly enjoy keeping in contact with family and friends who are interstate and overseas.  But really, what's the difference? - you may as well send out the group Christmas card/letter once a year.  You are still spreading the same message to all loved ones.  

And as I draw my own 'public sharing' to a close, I realise that the above bold statements are really about my use of Facebook.  I'm frustrated at myself for looking at other people's 'happy' lives for hours on ends.  I'm frustrated with myself for wasting my own time in my own blessed life.  As for the political statements in comment loops, be prepared to hear more slander.

Anyway, enough of my prattle - I must be off to do some twittering!