Facebook Fasting - Life Without FB for One Week

Facebook Fasting for a week - a decision that I made exactly one week ago (7 July 2012) and wow, time simply flows. It's been an interesting week as I'm observing myself going through this experiment and now is my time to reflect and share my learnings.

Why? 
I made this decision when I consciously caught myself unconsciously checking on FB (even if there's no need for me to be there) as long as I was idle or bored. I could be on the bus. I could be walking. I could be waiting. I could have better things to do but I didn't want to and my fingers had their minds of their own and they automatically went to FB. That realization shocked me and hence I made the decision to check myself into a self-made FB Rehab program. 

The objective of this experiment was for me to be more aware and conscious of my actions when it comes to FB especially in the department of browsing aimlessly as if my life depends on the updates of others. My friend, Nate sent me this photo below on the first day of my fast and I thought it was hilarious.

Image source: www.lagag.com

How?
The rules are entirely created by myself and there are a few such as:

1. No access to FB in any ways except through email notifications 
2. No posting and commenting on new items unless from existing posts and can only reply by email and no other ways

Some of my friends said I should have cut-off all email notifications too but I insisted no to that because, like it or not FB is a new way to reach out to someone and I do rely on them for invitation to events, for arranging an outing, etc. So, email notifications are important and hence I treated it as if I am receiving normal emails anyway. I will not cut it off totally because that was not the objective of the fast in the first place. You will see why I am so glad I didn't cut it off.


When?
7 - 14 July 2012


What Happened Then?

Day 1 - Saturday, 7 July 2012
Since it was a Saturday and I already woke up pretty late, the day passed pretty fast. I didn't feel the "withdrawal" syndrome yet as there were activities to keep me occupied. Until I was on the bus, with nothing else but my phone and wallet, at one point my fingers automatically pressed "B" for browser and almost typed "www.f ...." then I STOPPED to my horror. It was so reflexive that I almost didn't realize it happened. It was really a WTH moment for me. No more itch after that. Oh yeah, friends whatsapp-ed me photos that were uploaded on their FB pages. I thought that's really interesting. I was fasting but they couldn't help but to share what's happening on their pages.


Day 2 - Sunday, 8 July 2012
Another tolerable day since my day was packed from day to night. Another friend shared with me what's on her page. 


Day 3 - Monday, 9 July 2012
Worst day ever for FB Fast. I had a very bad withdrawal syndrome that every time I felt the itch, I simply ranted to all my friends. That happened a lot of times during the course of the day! It was really horrible. It was when I was so bored to hell that I needed something to numb my mind, and I couldn't browse and the feeling of irritation was tremendous. One great friend reassured me that I didn't miss much as there were only photos on food, babies and most probably not important jokes and links that don't matter after a while.

However, something interesting happened. Normally when you are staying away from things, the more the universe is trying to tease you with it. This day was one of them. As I was contributing to a blog about an event I attended recently, I needed certain photos which were only on my FB. I refused to access it no matter what and begged my BFF to go to my page, tell me what she saw and emailed the photos to me. She laughed at me with all the joy she could sum up as this is karma. She has her "Gadget Free Night" on Wednesday from 9-12PM, during those moments I always tease her and have the tendency to show her something on FB. Karma really struck hard on me this time. 


Day 4 - Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Caught myself reflexively wanting to go to FB 1x. Phew ...
Friend shared me a link of a restaurant and asked if I've been there before. I went to their domain name and they brought me to their FB page directly. I closed it and I told my friend, sorry! Not today. Honestly, I feel silly and realize how FB has permeated into our lives just like that. 


Day 5 - Wednesday, 11 July 2012
A peaceful day indeed. Nothing much happening. No itch at all. A dinner appointment has been set through FB message, luckily I didn't go cold turkey on the email alerts. 


Day 6 - Thursday, 12 July 2012
I received email notifications that people shared what I have shared previously. Clueless. But totally not curious to check out what that was too. I think I was "healing" well.


Day 7 - Friday, 13 July 2012
You are not going to believe that in my work, FB is being used. Certain updates were being announced through FB so much faster that my staff alerted me to it. FB, you are indeed here to stay. You are not friendster or just a phase. You are much more.


What Do I Get Out Of This?

Today is the day when everything is over. When I should be jumping up and down in happiness that finally I can browse FB again but I realize I don't have such feeling. I don't have such urge anymore. The rehab program does work. This image was the first thing I saw when I opened up my FB page (there were also 3 friend requests which I have approved before I took the print-screen of it). Huah! 

These are what I have learned from the entire experiment:

1. Life without browsing aimlessly is do-able. When your mind is set on somethings, with enough will power and self-control, you can be assured that you will achieve it.
2. There are people who really missed my presence on FB and told me about it. You know who you are, I really cherish the acknowledgments. I am glad to be back too to connect with all of you.
3. I realize I have so much time available. I managed to finish one book which was a memoir (a type of book that I have no patience for, normally) and I'm embarking to a novel type of book now (which again, another type of book that I have no patience for!). Now, I appreciate it. It is rewarding and enriching to the mind and soul.
4. I have more ideas and I write more. I managed to finish 5 pages of writing though it was very haphazard but I did it. Well, there was a deadline set by my dear friend to it but still, if I was busy browsing, I wouldn't have done it. 
5. FB is a part of my life. Some people may condemn its existence but I choose to embrace it. Like any tools, when used appropriately, it does more good than harms. 
6. I share therefore I live. I miss sharing quotes on FB. I have so many that I keep collecting in my invisible warehouse and couldn't wait to share with the world on my goodies. Life and including quotes are so much better when one is able to share them with others.

I am really glad I went through what I went through. I learned so much about myself and about people around me and about FB in this short fasting period. And it's true, when you simply take the stand as an observer, you learn so much more interesting quirks that you will not see if you are in the system. I believe this applies to many aspects of life too. When some things go crazy, step aside, step out, walk away for a while and observe what's happening. When you are ready, move back into it and you will see things with a better perspective. 


I love putting myself into such experiment and wonder what will be my next fasting like? Hmm ... thinking cap is on. :) 


Thanks for reading up to this point. Thanks for being with me in this journey too. I am really grateful for your presence on/off FB with me. Have a great weekend, everyone! Oh yes, today is Bastille Day (French National Day). 

"Bonne fête, tout le monde!"