Often, I hear of professors assigning their students media fasts for a few days, and I wondered what such an experience would be like for me, so I tried it for 40 days. Now even though I do not practice in Catholicism I decided to give up Facebook and Twitter as my own form of a Lenten sacrifice. Before Ash Wednesday 2012, the average time spent on Facebook for me totaled around 5 hours, respectively. This estimation includes the time when I was logged on but my web browser was minimized. Thinking of the amount of time I spent on such a mundane thing is really quite depressing. Laziness is not an attribute I desire; yet through reviewing the time I waste, I painfully admit I practice the trait I so abhor. Thus, Lent was a prefect opportunity to change and improve undesirable habits.
At first it was difficult giving up such a large, and yet unnecessary, part of my life. The first three days I had legitimate withdrawals; I experienced anxiety, nervousness, uncertainty, and frustration. Getting accustomed to not automatically keying “face [ENTER]” whenever I opened Google Chrome took some time, but I eventually broke the habit. However when I did open my browser I felt like I didn’t have much to do online I checked email, and browsed lds.org, I also caught myself searching my own blog, as if there would be new information there someone else posted. Now within all of that, I started to remember one of my favorite pass times I somewhat lost in my Facebook days, gathering useless information!
During Lent I learned how to fold a shirt perfectly in one of the most unique ways I’ve ever seen, that a vinegar and water mixture can help set dyes and stop color bleeding, mastered the Library’s second and fourth floors, and I discovered a love for vegan cuisine. Was this the best way to be spending my newly acquired time? Probably not, but it’s a start. In addition to gaining semi-interesting useless information (which I enjoy), giving up Facebook gave me something else, an escape from the muss.
I like not feeling obligated to know everything all my friends post. I like calling my friends to communicate, and hearing their voice instead of seeing their emoticons. I like not having my eyes hurt from screen strain. I like seeing who actually takes the time to stay in contact, instead of sending an all too convenient Facebook message. I like learning Italian instead of figuring out Timeline. I like thinking in first person when I’m logged off, instead of figuring out a third person status. I like listening to audio books and improving my mind. I like not jumping every time I see a new notification. I like life.
I must admit facebook does have its advantages like knowing birthdays, hearing mission calls, receiving event invitations, and a lot of other great tools. Since today is Good Friday (Easter post to come) and the end of Lent, I will be returning to the FB, however I have learned all things in moderation. I'm not sure how often or what times I will be logging on, I just know I will be limiting myself.
And heaven knows I'm not dealing with any of this:
