I’ve invented Twofacebook, the antisocial network.You start being friends with the entire world and defriend people one by one.~Andy Borowitz
Since I don’t believe in football, there’s no point in being on Facebook tonight.
Instead I’ll help spread rumors about it:
Did you HEAR that Facebook is ending in MARCH!
Seriously, I read that; and after a quick stab of panic, I felt… utter relief.
THANK GOD!
This is the sort of relief that you don’t even know you need–like taking off your bra at the end of a long day.
Imagine a world without Facebook!
I would read again, and lie in bed talking to my husband at night. I’d open my journal. I’d pick up a pen.
The family would come together more often–around the table for a game or just in front of the tv for a movie.
I’d write a letter and send some emails. I might even call an old friend. I’d visit the local cafe for gossip.
Losing Facebook would open up my life, and my days, and my hours, and my minutes in a myriad of ways.
But before I say good riddance, I should pause to thank it for all its given me:
Thousands of readers with whom to share my passion
Connections with dear old friends
An opportunity to be an activist
An opportunity to practice civil discourse with those who think differently than me
An equal platform for all voices
A balanced forum for current events–in the news and in the day to day lives of my friends
Cultural literacy—particularly with regard to pop culture
Updates that make me laugh and sigh
Kindred spirits who I have never met
Support through hard times, both large and small–my own and the world’s
Shared joy
Precious glimpses into the lives of those far away
The flowering of relationships with relatives I might otherwise never know
The discovery of common lineage with people around the globe
Breathtaking images
Inspiring videos
Poetry to light the soul
Comic relief just when I need it
Flirtations with my husband
Flirtations with old flames
Flirtations with new ones
Oh, Facebook, can I ever count the ways you’ve changed and stolen my life?
Kelly Salasin, Super Bowl Sunday, 2012
Keep the list going with your own gratitude & losses below; or take a look at the next two posts in this series:
Two Owls Calling 