New Year’s Resolution #1 – Minimize My Facebook Time

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I think they’re pointless. Each year people take an inward look at themselves, pick out the things they hate the most, and promise to do better next year. We all know what happens next…most people fail to change anything.

Why?

Because they don’t actually want to change. If someone really wanted to change, they wouldn’t wait until New Year’s Eve to decide to fix what’s broken. If they weren’t concerned about “the issue” prior to New Year’s Eve, they’re not going to be concerned about it for too long after.

Despite all this, I’ve decided that I’ll be making at least one resolution this year.

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I find it to be a valuable tool that allows me to keep in touch with friends, stay current with the news, and be in the know with all kinds of things. If it wasn’t for Facebook, I wouldn’t have met Marilyn Manson. The problem is that I waste a ton of time. Being so connected means I’m constantly being pulled in different directions, engaging in conversations (read: arguments) with complete strangers about politics, the environment, religion, etc.

I’ve found that being so connected has turned me into a bit of an asshole (some might say a lot of an asshole.)

By nature I’m a sarcastic person, and Facebook has given me a direct avenue to be a smartass (usually in a good-natured way, though it doesn’t always come across as such.) And for people who don’t know me well, my sarcasm isn’t appreciated. I’ve been unfriended on numerous occasions for a variety of reasons. I know I shouldn’t let such things bother me, but they do. I’m not a mean person in “real life,” but I am on Facebook.

In an effort to change all of this, as well as free up time that could be put to better use elsewhere, I’m resolving to reduce the time I spend on Facebook to one hour a day. While that might not seem like a big deal to some people (and to others it might sound insane), it’s going to be a challenge. Instead of logging on to see what people are doing, my time on Facebook will need to be productive. Say and do what’s important, and log off.

In order to keep me honest, I’ve installed a program (FB Limiter Pro, $14.99) that will automatically block Facebook after an hour of use. I don’t want to have to track my time, and I know that I won’t always have the willpower to shut shit down on time. This is the easiest solution.

I know I’m not the only person who wants to spend less time on Facebook…I mean, really, what’s so damn important? (Nothing.) Will you join me in this “revolution?” Just think of what you’d be able to do with all the extra time!