So lately you may have read other blogs on Facebook: the little things about Facebook (click here to read), and how to have the best Facebook picture (click here to read). Well, I’m willing to bet that quite a number of Facebook users are addicted to the social networking site. There are many ways you can waste your time: chatting with your friends all night, creeping on everyone’s profile, and taking those pointless silly quizzes (What were you your previous life? I got a donut. I’m ashamed I even took it in the first place.)
But Facebook, although it may be stress relieving, is pernicious. You may not know you’re addicted to it! Or even getting dependent on it. That’s why I’ve provided some symptoms. If you agree with five or more… you’ve got a problem. Get off Facebook!
1. You procrasinate with schoolwork.
Somehow, Facebook seems to have taken an immediate priority in our lives and we push off our work until who knows when we get off. Once you login, you’re trapped and pulled down into an endless, dark, hopeless pit of procrastination. Really, you can update your status after your exam because Facebook, unlike set exam dates, won’t go away! Did you know that?
2. You comment on every single wall post, photo, video, status, quiz result, etc.
You see something you’re appalled by or fascinated by and feel the irresistable need to say something about it, or even Like it.
3. You spend endless hours on applications/games like FarmVille.
Or Mafia habit. Or Fish World. Time is money! You need to exit those applications and get back to battle i.e. the real life.
4. You talk to friends on Chat past midnight.
Go to sleep! Your friends can wait until, oh I don’t know, you see them in person? The sad thing is, we all know we need to get sleep but we choose not to! So be smart and log off!
5. You try to be the quickest social butterfly.
For some odd reason, apparently we need to be the first ones to have seen something posted. Then comment “First!” Does that really give you a sense of accomplishment?
6. You forget that people exist outside of Facebook.
Hello?! I hope you remember those beloved people in your life i.e. your family. Just because somebody doesn’t have Facebook, does not mean they don’t exist!
7. You spend hours on end trying to take a photo to upload.
Why do we need to upload a new photo every month, or even every week? Oh yeah! I didn’t take a photo with this awesome shirt and I must make everyone comment on how great I look!
8. You update every single thought that crosses your mind.
Even when you’re in the bathroom for number two. Or expressing your exhaustion at two in the morning (no one’s going to respond!) If you’re having mood swings, or going through a tough time, I recommend you find somebody to sit down and talk with. Find somebody who’ll actually care enough to listen.
9. You use Facebook wherever you may be on the planet.
If you’re on vacation, does Facebook cross your mind? Hoping to see that little red box on the top screen bar that says you’re wanted back at home? It is a sad day when you’re away at a place probably beautiful and luxurious, yet you yearn to go back on Facebook. Or, you update where on the Earth you are at the moment. Honestly, no one really cares if you’re at Starbucks at 8 in the morning.
10. You use Facebook as a way of communication, rather than in person.
Ridiculous marriage proposals online, asking for a date to the prom, asking somebody to be their boyfriend/girlfriend, break-ups, hook-ups, etc. Whatever happened to plucking up the courage to talk to people face to face?
11. You use Facebook to wish people a happy birthday.
You login, and look! It’s somebody’s birthday! And this person and a number of other friends have wrote on their Wall for their birthday! I must join in and wish them a birthday so it appears that I knew when it was! Thanks Facebook, for reminding me (or rather, telling me because I had no idea)!
12. You try to have larger number of friends on your Friends list.
It’s crazy when I see people who have over 500 friends. How many of them do you really talk to? Or know? I’ve done a “purge” about half a year ago, from having had close to 400, down to about a 100. Try it. It feels good.
13. You spill out your entire life story online.
Just write us a novel, huh? Sometimes, it’s nice to be a little vague or mysterious, to keep the magic in the air. And also because there’s the matter of security. Would you feel comfortable with everyone knowing your innermost thoughts?
I don’t think it’s just Facebook that causes problems. Twitter, tumblr, myspace, etc. Although Facebook may be great to keep in touch with people and organize events between your friends or for a good cause but there comes a point when you just don’t need it!