After posting almost 1800 photographs in the last year and a half, marking five thousand "likes" on others' Facebook pages, with the help of a critical but compassionate wife, I came to the conclusion in late November that I was/am a Facebook addict. I vowed then that I would go a whole month without posting or commenting on Facebook entries, hoping that by being both absent from Facebook and more present I would restore a sense of balance and harmony to my life. I did post two photographs in December. One was a delightful family photograph taken on December 18th, with all three offspring, their spouses, and our five grandchildren. A week later I was "tagged" to post a photograph showing my pride in being a father. I complied with a favorite image from thirty-eight years ago. Thirty-one days, two images, two posts.
What did I miss about not going on Facebook? I missed the almost daily connections I had made with both old and new friends. I missed the dopamine-fueled highs that came when I posted something that others took to heart, whether it was a well-liked photograph or a hard earned life lesson. I missed quotes from my Facebook friends that were truly inspiring. One was my cover photo. The accompanying text reads, "The secret to having it all is knowing you already do." Another. "God or the universe or morality isn't interested in your achievements...just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose." "We are both a masterpiece and a work in progress." I have dozens of these.
A common argument against using cell phones could be applied to Facebook. "Cell phones bring you closer to the person far from you, but takes you away from the ones sitting next to you." Mindfulness teaches us to be present, to enjoy the here and now, exult in the pleasures we have by being where we are, who we are and who is there beside us. Online communities can remove us from those experiences.
What didn't I miss? I didn't miss pointless arguments about open carry, gun control, Trump, the second amendment, Hillary. I didn't miss stupid thoughtless posts revealing ignorance, prejudice, and racism. I didn't miss seeing what someone had for dinner last night, or photos of a mother and daughter shopping. I didn't miss seeing people use the word "your" instead of "you're or "it's" instead of "its." I didn't miss the time I spent scrolling through my news feed instead of playing backgammon with Jadyne, spending a little more time with my grandchildren, playing my guitar, reading, editing photographs, or any of a number of more meaningful activities, many of which I've reclaimed in this month.
So what do I do in January? 2017? Alcoholics can't ever take another drink, but I'm intending to jump back in...or perhaps, just get my toes wet. Should I remove the app from my phone? Stick to looking just once or twice a day? Avoid meaningless discussions? Only post family photos? My cat died, so that's out. I may post something tomorrow, January 1st. Or not. Stay tuned. I may be the reason why God made rehab.