In the end, I got chronically disillusioned, when I realized how indirect social networking can be. I mean, you create your virtual self – as you wish to be perceived by others. And that just totally sucked the life out of my own desire to be virtually known. I thought I was the only one who felt this way, until I read this post. Hooha.

I miss those days of writing letters to pen pals. I miss those days when relationships was bound to time and patience…

Be blessed, ya’ll!

As an ISFJ (not too far off!), Facebook has been something of a mixed blessing for me. My theory is that if you enjoy class reunions, like making “small talk,” and enjoy talking about yourself and feel proud of your accomplishments in life, you’ll love Facebook — and I think most people who feel like that tend to tilt more to the extrovert side of the equation.

I’ve reconnected with some people from my past, which has actually led to some very good actual face-to-face reunions! On the other hand, FB has also made me realize that I live a pretty boring and uninteresting life compared to my peers, and I don’t think it’s the best format for sharing intimate and personal details of my life!

I’m an INFJ and knew of every little thing Myrrh C. was talking about; that tug of war, the need fulfilled by passing friends comments and the occasional rejection when the little red notifications box reflects silence. On the whole, I would have to say that Facebook had been a real blessing to me and a means of facilitating building relationships in real life (not in front of the computer. ) and I don’t regret that one bit.

Having said that though, I am currently taking a sabbatical from Facebook for a season, the Lord making it clear that it was His idea for me for a while. And while it has bordered on addicting in the past (the checking, checking, checking for some outside communication while you’re home alone with small children), there really haven’t been too many withdrawals.

And now, having said that, I actually wouldn’t discourage Facebook, as it has allowed friendships that never would have been otherwise. And I haven’t touched Twitter… and don’t plan to.

First up, I couldn’t stand all of the meaningless chatter and status updates from people I was never going to see again. I would rather have one true friend than 100 acquaintances. There is a reason friends fade out of your life, it is natural and healthy. It’s not natural to be tethered to them for life.

And then if I did post a Status Update, I would get hurt if people didn’t comment on it because I had actually put thought into it.

Then, I basically stopped using it anyway, for myself, because I didn’t feel comfortable shouting out my feelings like that to the world. Then everyone else, minus a few folks, stopped using it too.

I also got hurt on a few occasions, I would see pictures of a party I wasn’t invited to, or learn that a friend had come home and didn’t call me to see her, that kind of thing. Things that I wouldn’t have known pre-Facebook.

I fantasize about going back in time, to the days before the internet (and yes, I’m old enough to remember them!). I’m not sure the internet has been a force for good. I do enjoy it, no doubt, but I think we were all fine before it.

I ended up quitting.