Undeniably, my sojourn on Facebook has been that of ups and downs. Yet, I found myself habitually refreshing the page, longing for notifications and seeking validation through the number of likes, comments, and shares. Now, as Facebook turns twenty, I have something profound to confess: I am addicted to Facebook.
My engagement with Facebook dates back to its nascent development stages, back when it was dubbed as the next big thing. In its early days, Facebook was a pulsating hub, a virtual arena gathering friends, family, and acquaintances under one roof, creating a sense of a bonafide, universal community.
The primary charm of Facebook lied in its humble purpose: to connect people – college students back then, with Mark Zuckerberg and his college dorm room invention. Facebook was not only a medium of connection, it was a platform for expression. Remember updating What’s on your mind? or the thrill of watching reactions pouring on a new profile picture? All these engaged us in an enchanting dance with the virtual world of social media.
However, it was not until when I found myself glued to my smartphone, feeding on the rapid refresh cycles and the instant gratification of reactions and comments, that I realized I was treading on dangerous territory. I was seeking personal affirmation through the number of likes or shares my posts garnered. The spectrum of my mood oscillated on the whim of these virtual validations.
My addiction was more than just a byproduct of social endorsements. Facebook molded my cognitive processes, influencing my thinking and behavior. Its algorithms got better at predicting what I would like to see and engaged me longer on the platform. I began to live in a sort of echo chamber that only echoed my views and preferences, thereby influencing my thoughts, ideas and, ultimately, my perception of the world.
I noted profound shifts in my lifestyle. Sleep deprivation, reduced concentration spans, and less actual human interaction became daily norms. The irony of being connected yet lonely hit hard. The lines between the virtual and tangible world started blurring, making me more ensnared in the web of social media.
Despite recognizing the addiction, the departure from Facebook proved challenging. The fear of missing out (FOMO) gripped me tightly. But, the journey towards recovery started with an introspection into the cause and the profound impact it had on me.
I initiated digital detox periods, disabling notifications, and setting ‘screen-free’ times. I intentionally invested time into physical books, outdoor activities and began to value the art of face-to-face conversations. Although difficult, I am on an ongoing journey to maintain a balanced and healthier relationship with social media.
The purpose of this confession is not to demonize Facebook or undermine its role in an interconnected world. Alike any tool, the benefit or harm of Facebook lies in the hands of the user. My experience serves as a personal account emphasizing the need to consciously navigate, and not get swallowed by the digital world.
As Facebook turns 20, I am not just a mere user, but someone who has evolved through its growth, learned from its impacts, and is still learning to balance its use. This twenty-year journey is a stark reminder that while digital connections have their conveniences and advantages, they should not substitute the human touch, the real smiles and real conversations that constitute our very human existence.
