Farewell Facebook

Due to some unprecedented events that occurred last evening, I have decided to emancipate myself from the world we call Facebook. Yes, it's Facebook or FB for short. I think everybody knows it. Who doesn't? Well, most probably, everyone has it. But yeah, to refresh our minds, Facebook is a social networking site that (please refer to the image below, this you will find in the Facebook Homepage)

I've been a Facebook user since 2008 (for further info: my account got hacked in 2009, I deleted it and made a new one, which I'm using up until now). Facebook has become my online repository of memories imprinted in pictures and thoughts put into words. It has also enabled me to connect and re-connect with old classmates, teachers, colleagues, friends, family, and relatives. For three years already, I've been an active user (even more active now that I have 24/7 internet connection here in Korea). And as time goes by, I've become so comfortable with Facebook that it just felt natural to write whatever it is that's in my mind, be it good or bad. Besides, it's MY account. Hello, freedom of expression! But that's where the problem comes in. There were times that I got really, really angry with other people that I just posted spur-of-the-moment thoughts/emotional cries, only to realize at the end of the day (with the help of my parents - Yes, my parents do have their own facebook account! And parents will be parents even online...which is a good thing though) that posting in that kind of way doesn't show maturity or even decency. 

We can't also deny the fact that Facebook has become a platform for self-glorification. I don't want to generalize but sometimes people post pictures and shout-outs to make an impression that they're having the grandest times of their lives. I admit I'm one of them. And it feels like cloud nine when there are many hits in the Like button and compliments are just everywhere. But there comes a time that one just becomes tired of all those stuff, that all he wants is to savor all the good things happening in his life without letting other people know.

I have become so preoccupied with the so called "online life" that I sometimes forget to focus on the real life. Obviously, there are many things that I can do instead of sitting in front of my laptop for hours, posting stuff in my facebook, and browsing other people's account. One can say it's just a matter of self-control. Yes, self-control indeed! But when you're already stuck in that situation, which can be compared to addiction, it's definitely hard to control yourself or to even escape from the loop. So before it's too late, I'll be doing what must be done - to shut myself off from Facebook and get a life, a real one. It's a drastic solution and it is definitely hard but I'll be taking it one step at a time.

For now, I'll be clicking the Deactivate button and hopefully it will last for one or two weeks. And from there, we'll see what will happen next. I can re-activate it again while maintaining a schedule of when-to-browse or move to the next level of getting rid of it completely.

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Twitter account was also deactivated but I'll be keeping this blog. There is a rather much more personal feeling or sentimental value in blogging than it being a social networking medium.