I reached a decision today and I just finished following through with it. I decided to end my relationship with Facebook. With a couple of quick taps on the keyboard, Facebook was kicked to the curb and out of my life.

It feels really good, and although I’m sure I will have a few lingering thoughts of “Maybe I shouldn’t have been too hasty. Maybe I should have given it a second chance” deep down I know it’s the right thing to do for me and I’m happy with my decision and happy to join the small army of those who have either never done the Facebook thing or like me, have broken up with it.

So why did I do it, you might ask. Well for several reasons. Hard to believe that there was a time when Facebook didn’t exist. I think it’s a great marketing tool for business. I like the idea of social media and I’m not giving up on it completely because I will still have my blog and Twitter account.

Somewhere along the way, my impression of Facebook became cheap and dirty. It became full of trivial nonsense and useless updates. I would get so annoyed with it. It sorta started out with good intentions but then someone(s) had to go and ruin it by turning it into a cheap one night stand. Good riddance.

Believe me, I certainly never thought when I updated my status that people hung onto every word or even cared what I thought or said. I got tired of the game requests, even though I asked people to stop sending them to me. I didn’t need to see yet another photo of an abused animal. Again, I know it exists and it kills me inside to see it. But I can’t do anything about it other then what I am already doing.

I also got annoyed at the lack of filter on some people. In other words, nobody wants to hear how sick you are, how your spending all day on the toilet and that you may or may not have a boil on your neck. Stop telling people that! Have a little self respect and learn to keep some things as a mystery!

I felt that Facebook (and other social media) is a bit of a soap box for some. I guess that was the point. Everyone has a right to their opinion and beliefs. You can agree or agree to disagree. Whatever. I can’t fault people for having a passion for something. I’m passionate about things too. But give it a damn rest already!

I became worn down and bummed out by the empty trivial often times cheesiness of the status updates. It always amazed me how one comment would get lots of reactions and others got no reaction at all. I think what disturbed me the most is the things that should have been commented on more often, people hardly reacted. What’s that saying?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe that every time you think or hear something it has to be profound and life altering. All I’m asking is what’s wrong with employing a little insight? Maybe a little compassion and integrity? Maybe sharing with others what you have learned and the experiences you have gained? What’s the harm in trying to uplift people while you are updating? What’s wrong with being curious and asking questions?

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last five years or so, social media has turned some people’s lives upside down and in some cases destroyed them. Today’s schools are a verbal/anonymous battle ground where the battle cries are being heard all through social media in the form of cyber-bulling. Yeah it takes a real brave individual to put someone down hiding behind a computer screen. A modern day hero.

It’s a sad world we live in when kids are taking their lives based on vile comments someone has made about them online. It’s becoming more common. Whatever happened to good old fashion teenage angst where you worked your rage out by listening to music, maybe gained a little perspective in some harmless day dreaming? Why do we fill our days with trying to go to extremes and to shock people?

I’m also aware that employers and/or potential employers are checking to see if one has a Facebook account. A situation that’s exploding especially in the United States where people are getting fired and sued over what’s in their social media. The problem lies with people thinking they can say anything they want and not be held accountable. People are angry, filled with hate. Why? Where did this come from?

The final reason though to toss out Facebook is how I am seeing a society break down. Ask yourself how connected are you.

I recently read an article that claimed that when people go see a doctor because they’re sick, it actually turns out that most people are just lonely. Lonely? How can that be when we are surrounded by people all the time? But think about it; how often do you say hello to someone you pass on the street? Talk to the next person in line at the grocery store? Ask someone how they are doing and take the time to actually listen to what they say in return?

The fact is, as humans, we need daily social interaction. Without it, we experience all sorts of ailments, everything from being tired, headaches, tension, lethargy, anger, depression, and anxiety. I took a course on Mental Health and one thing I learned is 1 in 3 Canadians at some point in their lives will be affected by a mental illness. Maybe it’s just loneliness.

Do I think not being connected to Facebook will make me fall behind in what’s going on? Perhaps in some ways, but not in the important stuff. If I want to talk to people, I will call, email or text. Those that care, are already part of my life and not having a Facebook account won’t change that. If I want to read up on current events, I will read a newspaper or go online. If I want to experience things first hand, I will go outside and seek them out.

Do I think I’m more superior because I decided to end Facebook? Not in the least. I never thought I was better than anyone else. More often then not, Facebook proved to me over and over it was heading in a direction that I didn’t want to go. I’m just doing what makes most sense for me. I had to ask myself if I wanted to be part of the cure or part of the disease.

I may or may not go through withdrawal symptoms, but I’ll get over it. Regardless it’s done. I really don’t care if one has a Facebook account or not. If you are curious in what I’ll be doing next, your more then welcome to follow me on Twitter or read up on my latest shenanigans here on my blog. Now I’m off to enjoy this thing called life.