I will admit it – I was a Facebook nerd long before it reached its current state of popularity. I remember one day, back when I was an undergrad (the whole 3 years ago), when Facebook “got popular.” All of a sudden every one of my sorority sisters was on there. Eventually, all of my professors were on there, too. Then came the day when… dun, dun, dun… my own mother had a Facebook account!
It wasn’t long after that when I started thinking about making a change or at least taking a break. I found myself stalking through photographs, obsessively checking friends’ status updates and when I got my blackberry – the whole situation exploded. I knew it was time.
Yesterday I made the status update, “Dena Botbyl will be taking a break from facebook for awhile — maybe a week, maybe a year. email me if you miss me too much: denabotbyl@gmail.com” and I can not tell you how liberating it was. Of course I got the, What happened!?!? and Is everything alright? responses but that was to be expected. Nobody saw this coming.
I want to focus on being more productive. Recently, I’ve discovered several amazing career-minded networking sites including BrazenCareerist, Young Association Professionals, and I’m even making my way into the insanity of Twitter. Facebook is a great tool and I will invariably return one day but right now I’m spreading my wings a bit.
What do you think? Have you ever needed to take a break from a social networking site? Have you ever felt “digital overwhelm?”
I’m excited to hear your thoughts!
-Dena
