Blog #1

In class we had a discussion about the gratifications of using computer mediated communication – or as we call it, “CMC.” I felt compelled to share my story about deleting my Facebook because it follows the concept of our lecture.

I made the life altering decision to delete my Facebook account about three weeks ago. I felt as though I was spending too much time on it and didn’t want the distraction any longer. After about a week, it came as no surprise to me that I was beginning to feel a loss of gratification. I did not feel like I was socializing enough, receiving entertainment enough, or finding information enough.  So what did I do? I reactivated it. Yes, after only a week without Facebook, I gave in and made my Facebook page public again.

The first problem I ran into as a non-Facebook user was actually with this class. My lab professor mentioned that CAS 283 section 002, conveniently, had its own Facebook page. At first I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, until I began to feel anti-social. The thought of not being able to socialize in this Facebook group with my classmates frightened me. Feeling left out is not something I wanted to experience in this course. I guess you could call it FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out.

The next issue I had with not having a Facebook account was the lack of entertainment I was receiving. I find that 90 percent of people aren’t afraid to exploit themselves completely on Facebook, which is quite humorous in most aspects. The drunken pictures, the bullshit conspiracy theories, and the foolish relationship posts were my sense of entertainment. Without Facebook, none of that was accessible to me.

Lastly, I lost access to the latest information going on around me. Facebook is the prime social networking experience for the news; videos are posted hourly, links are everywhere you turn, and invitations to events are endless.  For example, for years my cousin has been struggling with being able to get pregnant. She announced that she was finally pregnant and everyone in my family found out instantly. That is, everyone except for me.  The exciting news was announced onto her Facebook page and I did not find out until days after. Essentially, I got anxiety not knowing about what was going on instantaneously.

The groundbreaking moment for me was when I realized that I was going against what I wanted. I wanted to have a Facebook account. I wanted to socialize. I wanted entertainment. I wanted information. Without these gratifications for using Facebook I wasn’t necessarily at ease with myself. It became more of a hassle to not have Facebook, than to just simply have one. Not only did I realize that I wanted it back, but I also realized I didn’t need to abuse it. I can have an account without checking it constantly. I can stay connected to my peers without posting religiously. I can be entertained somewhere other than the Internet. I can find information elsewhere. I can have a Facebook account and maintain my life outside of computer-mediated communication.