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Sunday 24 March 2013 I closed my Facebook account. Here are my reasons for exiting the Book Of Face:
- I’ve been thinking of closing Facebook for almost a year now. The only thing that prevented me from doing so was the CrocheTime page. I had 1000 likes on the page, but due to Facebook’s algorithms, less than 200 people actually viewed the updates I posted on the Page. My blog gets more hits per day (around 400), so what’s the point of having the Page? As soon as I figured this out, I realised there was no reason to keep my Facebook account.
- Facebook was turning me into a nosey, stalker type person. I don’t want to be that kind of person.
- I had people in my Friend list that I barely know in person, and some I have never even met, yet they were filling my newsfeed with things I’m really not interested in.
- I’m a big believer in the notion that people come into our lives with a purpose, and when that purpose is fulfilled they leave. We all feel a bond with people at a certain time in your life, but as you grow older, you change and they change and then you naturally go your separate ways. I’m not talking of only man-woman relationships, but friendships, colleagues and neighbours too. Facebook was keeping people in my life that I have moved on from.
- The amount of advertising, suggested posts, suggested pages and just general rubbish I couldn’t hide from my newsfeed, was getting more and more, and more and more irritating;
- I was judging people based on their activities/photos/friends on Facebook. I don’t want to be that kind of person.
- My Facebook visits weren’t making me happy or inspiring me. In fact it became irritating and draining, yet I felt compelled to go back. Again and again just in case I missed something. I don’t want to be that kind of person.
- I was spending too much time thinking “Ooh, how can I word this situation/conversation so that it would be a good status update” and taking photos of things so that I could post it on Facebook, in stead of actually enjoying that situation/conversation and appreciating the scenery.
- WordPress Reader, Pinterest and Instagram are filled with like-minded individuals so I would like to spend more time on these websites.
- There are other ways of keeping in touch with friends. Ways that don’t include strangers and the people in no. 4, knowing what I get up to.
Sorry Facebook, this isn’t working any more. It’s time for me to move on.
crochetime 
I totally agree with all your reasons for not keeping Face Book..
Keep on moving xxxxxxxxxx
Good to know I’m not alone. THanks Helen.
Reason N°2 has been on my mind for a long time now. If ever I close my facebook account I am tempted to reblog your post (if I may). Keep pedaling 🙂
Go for it, I won’t mind if you reblog. It’s actually good for me to see that other people feel the same as I do.
Boris Johnson would be proud of my cycling attempts 🙂
I totally agree which is why I did a super huge purge not long ago of those people who were attached to my account. I am happy to say that I went from in the hundreds down to 38… 38 people that I actually know, love and am just too far away from, geographically speaking, most days. I decided to change how I view Facebook and shape it to what I want… a nice meeting point for my family and friends so we can all stay in touch.
This has made my life a million times happier and the stress of popping over to the site is now a a million times lighter. As for my blog page, it’s still there but I’ve utilized Pinterest and Ravelry more than anything. I would do Instagram but I don’t like their position regarding my images so I deleted my account.
Very sensible!
Agree!
Excellent posting, I too agree with all your points! I would add that the “like” culture killed both conversation making as well as critical discussion and turned people into “yes men”. Facebook has run it’s course and I applaud people who move on to healthier environments xxxxx
When I read your post I realised you had very eloquently put into words what I had been feeling towards Fbook for a very long time! Thank you for making me think about the social media I use and how I use and how I react to what my friends post!!
Recently I seem to have a lot of friends (I don’t have that many, only 75 in total!) that have with causes or agendas to promote – my friends are a diverse bunch and while I like them all I don’t always agree with some of their soap box type of views!
What to do? I guess when it first came out it was a one-size fits all internet site that as we have matured in our use of social media hasn’t really changed. I’m not quite ready to hit the delete account button, but I can certainly see the day when I do!
Instagram, Pinterest and Google Circles and my blog will more than fill the gap!
Thanks again!
Sally those with their soapbox type of views are nothing but armchair activists – the most annoying of users. They would rarely use educational tools to better the cause of others.
Mmm, I don’t have a problem with Facebook, but then I know all of my FB friends – I’ve met all of them face to face apart from 3 (and they are close friends of friends) I think FB is what you make of it and I value it for keeping in touch and sharing photos . I’m sorry you won’t be on FB anymore, but we’ll still keep in touch via your entertaining blog and ravelry, I hope!
And it is totally your prerogative to do so, Natasja. I’m glad we can still enjoy your blog, though!
Always interesting to see how differently people use Facebook – my own use of it has changed quite a bit since I joined up 3/4 yrs ago. Then I had friends from school, uni, family etc. That list has been narrowed down significantly and now include members of my reading group and crochet group, many of whom I’ve met up with (and continue to do on an almost weekly basis over coffee and a crochet hook!).
Thank you for starting Ons Hekel with me – the group has evolved beyond my expectations and I hope V.2 will continue to do so. Look forward to meeting you as well one day – in the meantime I will hook up with some of the girls again tomorrow 🙂
Ons Hekel was indeed a great experience and it has grown so much. I’m sure it’s the biggest craft group for South Africans on Facebook and it’s all due to your hard work and dedication. I’ll never close this blog so you will always be able to see what I get my hook into. I too hope we can one day meet in person. Obviously over, coffee, cake and crochet.
Next time in London 🙂
I, initially joined FB, because it was a wonderful way to keep up with my daughter’s activities, so well portrayed in your photographs – seeing that Africa is a bit far from the UK. I understand your reasons, and find them to be applicable. I must say, I will miss your chirpy little face.
A friend of mine has recently given up Facebook too. I say friend….she was a girl in my year at school with 25 years ago…..however since being on Facebook we have become great friends, with lots in common and similar interests from kids to crochet. We keep in touch outside of Facebook now which is fabulous!
very good reasons to do it! I also closed the mine for similar issues.
Greetings!
Floppy!