Are you wondering if it's Facebook, is it taking over the world or what? More importantly, has it taken over your world? Many of us have a love-hate relationship with Facebook, but as much as we despise the new timeline, confusing security laws and our Mom’s embarrassing updates, The Book is a massive part of our lives. So how should you know when your daily dabble online has turned into an obsessive compulsion and it’s time to take a break from Facebook? Here are 12 signs that you need to log out, switch it off and leave Facebook for a while.
Snapshot Survey
1. Live for the Updates
If you are at the cinema, in the middle of a bungee jump or just about to give birth, then now is not the time to update your status. If you are unable to simply enjoy the moment you are in without thinking, ‘Oh, this is going to make a great update,’ then you may need to take a break from Facebook.
2. Reality Check
Spending a quiet Saturday night at home can be lovely, and it is by no means necessary to be out all the time. But if you are socializing more on Facebook than you are in the real world, with real people, then it’s time you took a break from Facebook and got back out there.
3. Over-share
Back to the status updates... if you ever find yourself sharing bowel movements or anything about your personal hygiene or bodily functions, then girl, you need to take a break from Facebook - period. (excuse the pun) After all, who really wants to read about all of that? Not me!
4. Work? What Work?
If you happen to be allowed on Facebook whilst at work and you are not sure why your last three reviews have reflected poor work productivity, or you have uploaded more pictures than completed projects, then that’s a sure sign you need to take a break from Facebook.
5. Secret Spy
Many of us have admitted to checking in on our ex boyfriend’s Facebook page from time to time and perhaps even his new girlfriend’s page. However, if you are spending hours on someone’s page that you would never admit to, or that you wouldn't spend hours with in ‘real time’ then my guess is that you could do with taking a break from Facebook.
6. Count It up
How many times a day do you go on Facebook? If the amount of hours you are on Facebook is more than the amount of time you spend with your loved ones, working out, sleeping or working – then you need to step away from the computer and go outside.
7. I Want What She’s Got
Facebook is great when you are great but can be pretty depressing when you are not. If your life isn't anything spectacular at the moment (we all have highs and lows) then looking at pictures of your three best mates holidaying in Bermuda probably isn't the best thing for you. Next time you are on Facebook, check to see how you feel afterwards. If you feel more down than you did before you went on, then it’s time to take a break from Facebook.
8. Cold Turkey
Here’s a test - try to go one day without Facebook. If the mere thought of it has you rocking back and forth clutching your laptop to your chest for dear life, then what more of a sign do you need to know that you need to take a break from Facebook?
9. Double Lives
Facebook can be deceptive because people obviously only put up what they want others to see, a lot of the time portraying a life that is very different to the actual life they live. If you say you are are in the club but in fact you are sitting at home covered in Dorito crumbs watching Shrek 3, then you need to take a break from Facebook - or at least live the same life online as you do in the real world.
10. Downtime?
When you are sitting waiting to see your doctor, waiting for the bus, or have some time to kill before you start work, what are you doing? Being able to sit with ourselves and just chill is a valuable life skill. If you fill every moment with looking at timelines and liking photos, then you know what I am going to say… it’s time to take a break from Facebook!
11. Let’s Be Friends?
If the sole reason you ask someone their name at a party is so you can request their friendship on Facebook in order to boost your numbers then you my dear, need to take a break from Facebook. After all, why would you want to be friends with them on Facebook if you wouldn't want to be friends with them in real life?
12. Serial Snapper
We all like to put the odd photo up on Facebook (especially the good ones) but the same rule applies for photos as it does for updates. If you are constantly taking pictures solely to put up on Facebook, instead of enjoying what you are doing at the time, then you guessed it, it’s time to take a break from Facebook.
These 12 signs that you should take a break from Facebook come from personal experience not preaching. Every now and then I notice my Facebook usage becoming a wee obsessive and take a much needed break - it’s healthy and it means you’ll have more to say when you get back on board! Has anyone else caught the Facebook bug or have any other tell-tale signs to share?
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