By: Mia Thompson
It’s been a whirlwind three months since I dove headfirst into the realm of social media, and I must say, my understanding of it has evolved into something unexpectedly enjoyable yet slightly overwhelming. Just kidding! It’s still quite absurd and anxiety-inducing, which makes me ponder the fate of humanity. That said, here are the key takeaways from my Facebook experience:
- Reconnecting with certain individuals from my past has shown me just how much I missed them.
- Conversely, I also rediscovered how some people can be utterly grating on my nerves. (Not you, of course!)
- One of the most delightful features across platforms is the ability to be friends with someone without having to follow their updates. Just because you’re my friend doesn’t mean I want to be inundated with every detail of your life—this would be a fantastic feature in reality, too. Who wouldn’t want to mute some of life’s more annoying people while still keeping up appearances? raises hand
- Facebook really complicates the natural course of relationships. Sometimes people exit your life for a reason; social media makes it all too easy to keep those connections alive, preventing us from moving on. It feels like there’s no natural selection anymore—every single remnant of your past sticks around and shares their survival stories.
- This constant reminder of the past has sparked a sentimental longing for my younger days, often in a rose-tinted manner. I recently came across a photo that reminded me of my 19th birthday—driving down a dark road in a snug dress, with my best friend behind the wheel, music blasting, and a Big Gulp full of booze. It was a moment of pure freedom, yet it’s crucial to remember the hardships that accompanied such youthful joy. Nostalgia, much like a Facebook page, can be deceiving.
- I often find myself yearning for clear metrics to measure my self-worth, which can be perilous. It leads me to believe I can quantify the unquantifiable. My value (and the value of my writing) seems to hinge on a formula: Number of likes + number of comments divided by number of unlikes, multiplied by the square root of CRAZY.
- But the math fails to account for the heartfelt messages saying, “Thank you for sharing your story.” It overlooks the fear I suppress before clicking “publish” and the insights I gain while writing a blog post and sharing it with the world.
- While the internet has been shortening my attention span for a while, Facebook and Twitter have exacerbated the problem. The streamlined feed makes it all too easy to flick through content, feeling pressured to skim every article, from how one mother connects with her autistic son through music to “Your Vagina Is Not A Potpourri Bowl.”
- I’ve decided to forgo changing my profile picture to show solidarity during current events. I’m adept at convincing myself I’ve done enough without taking real action. It’s easy to feel good about a gesture like that, but it often replaces the more substantial work that needs to be done.
- Despite the noise, I’ve discovered some truly beautiful writing that I would have missed without social media.
- Lastly, I’ve learned that beginnings can be intimidating, but they won’t kill me.
In closing, while my Facebook journey has been a mix of nostalgia, annoyance, and unexpected joy, it has also taught me valuable lessons about connections, self-worth, and the importance of genuine engagement. If you’re curious about other insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination or explore this post on home insemination kits for more information. And for top-notch products, head over to this authority on home insemination kits.
Summary: Navigating Facebook over the past three months has provided me with insights about relationships, self-worth, and the importance of genuine connections. While the platform presents its challenges, it also offers opportunities to reconnect, reflect, and discover new voices.