F-U Facebook...

Last night I spent a good...oh, I dunno...10 minutes deleting people from my friends list on Facebook (if you linked through to this post from FB, then you weren't deleted). Once again, I find myself trying desperately to figure out what purpose Facebook has in this world. And by "this" world, I mean "MY" world.

I have always been--for lack of a better word--anti-social. I don't like crowds, I don't like parties, I don't like any gathering that keeps me from communicating with someone one-on-one. Maybe that's why I still semi, sort-of, kinda, like blogging. I know if you're taking the time to read this that I am speaking directly to you, even if you do have the TV on, the kids are fighting in the next room, the tea kettle is whistling, and the neighbor dog is howling. Otherwise, it's just you and me.

But last night I went and looked at my list of "friends" on Facebook and realized a number of things. There are some I've never personally met. There are some I see maybe ONCE a year, and that's only at passing at Comic-Con. There are some who are my "friends" just because of that magic event and they will inevitably contact me and ask for free tickets for their friend who just has to come or they will die, and oh, by the way, can you spare a ticket or two for me, too, please?

I am way past the "hey, you kids...get off of my lawn!" stage of old age grumpiness. Let me assure you, I have people I love and respect in my life, who I look forward to spending time with and seeing on a regular basis. But most people just irk me anymore. And while Facebook provides some small measure of contact with people--even family members--who are far away, if I want to I can also pick up the phone, or e-mail, or even write a letter. Yeah...remember letters? I used to LOVE to write letters. That was artful. That was thoughtful. Facebook and Twitter and Foursquare--and every other similar application--is each the antithesis of thoughtful. They're just an expedient way to validate your existence and remind people that you're still around, while expending the least amount of energy possible. Is the sole purpose of technology to make it more easy for us to be lazy?

Where is this leading, you ask? Well, I think I'm done with Facebook. I also think I'm done with this blog. And other than the utilitarian aspects of the Internet--news, e-mail, work, shopping--I may just be done with it, too. I spend way too much time on here, visiting Facebook multiple times a day just out of plain boredom, something it never solves. I have 25 books on my reading shelf that I want to read, that I purchased for some purpose other than staring at their spines and watching my bank account dwindle. Maybe it's time I rediscover the joy of reading, something I've never really lost, just misplaced over there in that stack of books.

I'm not advocating anyone else quit Facebook or Twitter or whatever other Internet application that has your thumbs and fingers all tingly. I have always been a firm believer in the sanctity of opinions. Whether I agree with you--or you with me--your opinion is just as valid as mine. I prefer that to the more popular "opinions are like assholes...everybody has one" train of thought. You like Facebook, that's fine. Have fun storming the castle. There are some people I will miss, but hey...if you have any embarassing photos of yourself drunk, just please e-mail them to me, okay?

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to shut down the computer for the night. And go play on my iPad.

Comments

[Shell]

I second what Kitchen Encounters had to say, but would add that your blog has a place in my heart, because your writing has often got me teared up. I feel like I know you, despite being in the category (x) "have never met".

Oh well, I'll always have your splendid comics and my "Innocent Bystander" mug.

You have left a mark on many of us, Gary.

[Paul McCall]

Your post reads as if I could have written it. I share your Facebook/social internet feelings and have been on the edge of killing my FB pages as well. The fact that I use my business page as some level of exposure is all that's kept me from pulling the trigger. I can't prove that I've gotten any business from the FB page though.

[Angela]

I will be sad if you leave both the worlds of facebook and blogging. I recognize that I'm one of the people you've never met -- and am potentially therefore not of great importance -- but I figured I'd let you know. You would be missed.

[Kitchen Encounters]

I can totally understand why you would quit Facebook. There are days when I find it to be an annoying necessity myself (as KE gets quite a few hits every day via FB), and I am not an anti-social person by any means.

That being said, I for one enjoy your blog. I look forward to your book and movie reviews, your Friday photos, occasional looks into life in San Diego and especially your reminiscences of the kinder, gentler days of your youth in Tamaqua.

Whether you like it or not, your blog has a place in your life... and mine.