Facebook Sucks and Why I Needed My Own Website.
Facebook User, Adobe Stock Photo
Once upon a time, one of the most popular social media sites felt cool and exclusive. When I heard about Facebook, it was through a woman I was dating at the time. One of the unique features of the website was that it was only available to college students with student email addresses. I had already had a presence on two other social platforms, Hi5 and MySpace. Eventually, I joined Facebook and it was solid for a minute. I got to connect with old friends, family members and meet new people. The shift in my enjoyment of the platform dwindled when it started becoming a gossip center and glorified popularity contest. A few negative experiences, including a group of individuals clowning myself and others online, and one lady at church fabricating a romantic relationship with me. That would have been more manageable if I was dealing with this in-person only, but that fact I was dealing with these rumors and behavior online was like trying to douse a wildfire with bottle spray. It became next to impossible to battle the lies. I also learned that people are gullible and actually believe most of the stuff they read on social media.
It’s been seven to eight years since I’ve deleted my account, and I’m better for it. I no longer have a sense of fear of missing out (FOMO). In addition, I don’t have to deal with false narratives about regarding my life. In addition, I’ve cut off being part of any online drama and beefs that don’t concern me.
Instead, I had this website done for me by a developer who I found on Fiverr. I had several goals in mind when I decided this needed to be done. First, I wanted this to be a place where people can learn about me directly from me. There is no longer a need to go to a social media site in order to connect with me online. Second, I wanted creative control and freedom of any content that I post. I refused to be restricted by Facebook’s interface and ecosystem. Third, I wanted this site to be as personal, informal and honest as possible. I have no interest in faking the funk to impress people who think they are bigger than what they are.
Facebook was great for what it was for a moment in time. However, I have distanced myself from the site as a user and have zero interest in returning. Do I lurk sometimes? Rarely. Even then, it isn’t to check on others who I know. I firmly believe that I will have more fun investing in this site, than wasting my time being people part of the online in-crowd.
#social media #Facebook #freedom #internet #personal website #Hi5 #MySpace #Fiverr