Digital Life—Decluttering Time

Gentle reader, I'm giving up facebook for Lent, except feast days (Sundays). I am not sure this is totally needed—I don't think God is asking me to be less social, nor do I think online isolation is somehow a great idea or even virtuous. But I have noticed that I have a lot of not-so-exciting tasks to get done, and facebook is an easy go-to when I'm already seated in from of my laptop. Instead of dealing with a long put-off project or filing bills (blech), it's easier to jump on fb, and whoosh, there goes the time. Even when it comes to decluttering—whether it's a routine mail sort or finally posting those old slide-rules on eBay, I have opted to get on fb or cruise online articles. When I have decided to stay off fb for the rest of the day (which is a rare commitment), I've noticed that I have a better sense of what to do next, e.g. fold the laundry that's sitting on the chair. For me, getting on fb can stop the flow of my day if I check it too much. It's an interruption and sidetracker.

I remember a few years ago a friend told me her office receptionist was on facebook so often, she completely gave it up because it sucked up so much time, even at work. I have seriously considered leaving facebook two or three times, deleting most of my photos and messages, getting ready for a grand exit. A few years ago I even announced it was imminent. But I couldn't quite pull the trigger because I would miss out on hearing little comments from two or three old friends from out of state. Without fb, I felt they would practically disappear from my life. Would we really bother to email or call each other? After all, a lot folks now see catch up phone calls as a once-a-year event, if that. Fear of disconnection, which is a valid fear, kept me from deleting my account.

I must confess I gave fb up for Lent maybe four years ago, before using it was so entrenched in my daily life. Before my friends and acquaintances seemed as plugged in as well. It was a bit tough, but I found the decision to fast from it much less uncomfortable.

So what's to be done? Some folks can use fb sparingly and responsibly. Maybe it's like knowing how to avoid overeating. All I know is, once I announced I was going to stay off during Lent, I felt a sense of isolation! Again, not that God was asking me to do that, but I am asking myself to deal with chores and maintain a better focus as I go about my day. I also had to jump on to make sure event invites would be emailed to me—that's a major fear of not being on fb: missing a party or event. So now I am all set up. And if I want to feel social, I guess I'll have to actually reach out and be social. We'll see if this fb fast is a good idea—if it's really in the vein of a spiritual practice, I should also add a positive practice that brings me closer to God. Perhaps that way I'll feel I am gaining more than just checking items off my to-do list.