The first time I got onto Facebook was back in 2004, when it was still just for college students. My roommate and I at Clemson started a Facebook account and it was so exciting. Fast forward to a decade later, and I remain one who utilizes Facebook to the fullest. I post articles about Yoga stuff, I talk about sports, and of course, I promote my blog. But after this political season, Facebook has left me in a bit of disgust. I can't tell if this really has been the most extreme election ever, or if it just appears as such due to the internet.
I feel like I may have posted something like this before, but one thing that continually disappoints me is people's inability to decipher the truth from extremism. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, ALWAYS. If you read something that is so shocking, your jaw drops, it's probably not true. It's not that the information is wrong, although many times it is, it's that it's used in a way that is incorrect.
It's never as bad as it seems.
It's also never as good as it seems.
People speak in absolutes but in reality, could actually be wrong.
"Experts" are experts for their side.
Both parties knowingly distort the truth to get a rise out of Americans.
What does this have to do with Facebook? My friends and family are the ones posting this stuff. And it's driving me nuts. What do I like about Facebook? I like seeing pictures of my friend's and their children. And even though people make fun of this, I like seeing what people eat when they cook something delish or go out to eat somewhere and I like seeing peoples' workouts. Why not? Why not see what someone is proud of in their life? Why is it wrong to see people doing something good for themselves? If they're bragging, good. Brag about yourself. You deserve it. I'd rather see you proud of your workout than an opinion piece that is riddled with extremist, threatening information written to induce you to make a choice based on fear.
So I'm saying this because I'm going to ignore facebook for a while. I'm a little nervous I'm going to miss something but my thoughts are that there is so much I want to miss, that it might be worth it to miss some good stuff. I'll be writing stuff on my blog and using my A Southern Yogi facebook page to promote my blog. I am hoping that I can get myself together enough so that when I come back to FB, I'll be able to handle the content, but for now, I'm kind of done with it.
VERY well stated Wendi, I support you 100% on this. I made a practice a long time ago to just delete people who post 4-5 times a day don't ask my why but I decided it and it has worked out well for me. As far as the election malarkey if ANYONE posted ANYTHING about either side good or bad I deleted them too. LOL So needless to say I lost a lot of friends on here but I don't care, I had over 800 friends and don't even know 790 of them so deleting for me was freeing. I would love to keep up with your blog post so if you could add Insureuforless@gmail.com to the mailing list I would love to get your post via email. With ALL that being said I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU TOMORROW :) Love you
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! Facebook in the past few months has just made me question what sorts of friends/acquaintances I have made over the years. People were being so terribly rude! But on a happy note, I love love your blog! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!!
DeleteAnd just when you think you are going to miss something....you realize you actually didn't! It's like when you don't have email for a week and then you get back on and it's full of bulk mail....and you are kind of disappointed. Enjoy your cleanse. PS...I miss you!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more! Wendi you always state things so truthfully yet respectful to all. I too was appauled by the extremists and how un-American FB was (about both parties) I love that we have FB because it's our Right and freedom to express our selves, our opinions, and anything else... but I have a hard time with those who abuse our rights and freedoms because they choose not to have a filter on what they share and what is appropriate. I love your Blog. Keep it up. And I may just as well Join you in the cut back of my use of FB. :) Keep it up Yoga Girl!
ReplyDelete-Leslee-