Those of us lucky to have been born in the mid to late 80s, have a unique affair with social media. We are the micro-generation between generation X and Millennials. We grew up when technology went from awesome to spectacular. There was Super Nintendo, portable CD players, POGS, Ninja Turtles, and we were there when the concept of social networks creeped into our lives.
We were happy to clog up the landline, open America Online with a blazing fast 56k modem, and chat with everyone on our “Buddy List” all night with a six pack of Surge. As we graduated high school something new emerged, MySpace. We customized our profiles, contemplated which 10 pictures we would post, and what friends would be on our top eight.
At the time MySpace was fun, and no one was ranting about politics, world events, or social policy crusades. We grew older, Facebook opened it’s gates to everyone (not just those with select university .edu emails), MySpace faded in the distance, smart phones became a thing, and social media was everywhere.
Social media is great, but for me Facebook has become abrasive.
Do I dislike seeing what my friends and family are doing? No. Like everyone else I have used Facebook’s features to trim the fat, and only follow people, pages, and companies I care to see. Even with bending Facebook to my demands there is still content that gets on my nerves.
If I am on the internet and it isn’t for research or email, then chances are I am looking for inspiration. Facebook is the opposite of inspiration.
“I think the love-hate is fundamental. Everyone hates reality television, and everyone’s watching it. Everyone hates Facebook, and everyone is on it.”
The general masses are pounding away behind their keyboards about all the stuff that pisses them off, content that offends them, or bitching amongst each other in comment section wars. People can do what they want, and I’ve spend many times laughing at their expense, but the creative sector of my brain is telling me to go elsewhere.
I crave something with more creative and artistic insight. I need a platform that is going to make me see things and inspire me to create more. Sorry, book of faces, but articles about an orange cheeto man with bad hair who doesn’t understand how to tweet rational thoughts may be entertaining, but it’s draining my creative energy.
I’ve played Facebook my breakup song, and removed it from my iPhone and bookmarks. I have shifted focus where my mind can breathe, and where I feel at home, and where creative expression has a little more value. I’m looking at you Instagram, Deviant Art, & Pinterest.
It’s not you Facebook, it’s me.