Last October, I deactivated my Facebook account – indefinitely without a FOMO (fear of missing out).

I was uncomfortable with realizing that too much of my personal information was being shared and/or compromised. 

Many of the ads that appeared on my Facebook page were there because Facebook sells my personal likes, views, searches, and other traits (unique to me) to companies anxious to sell me their products and services.

But that isn’t the only reason for deactivating my Facebook account.

It was also a privacy and security issue.

Over 50 million FB user passwords were compromised by Facebook – and that concerned me. 

And that is the main reason for leaving Facebook – I could no longer trust this social media platform.

I feel the same when a person betrays or disrespects me – I will never be able to trust them again.  And without trust – there can be no friendship.

All the money in the world cannot buy a faithful friend.

But Danny, what about all of the pictures, announcements, jokes, and updates from your 400+ Facebook friends – aren’t you afraid to be missing out?

Nope, Spanky, not at all!  I do not have a ‘FOMO.’

And of my 400+ FB friends – I only have a handful of them who are close friends – we are in regular contact. 

But Facebook isn’t the only culprit – Instagram – also owned by Facebook – is guilty of the same practice of selling your personal viewing and sharing information.

I deleted my Instagram account.

My close friends are still in contact with me – they have my contact information. 

They communicate with me by phone, email, snail mail, text messaging, or seeing me in person. 

Some of my friends do not own a computer, and others who do, have refused to enroll in any social media platforms, period.

I have this website to communicate with the people I know and those I don’t know. 

They can leave me comments (and they do).  I have Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, but I only use them to share my blogs.

But sitting at home, in front of a computer, notebook, tablet, or cell phone, and interacting with people on social media is not my idea of time being well-spent.

Instead, I would meet a friend for coffee or have a phone conversation (or text) rather than send them an emoji on their Facebook page. 

Besides, I usually shake my friends’ hands or give them a hug when I see them – which you can’t do on social media.

But the younger generation is obsessed with a severe FOMO. 

I can’t tell you how often I have seen people texting while walking or driving! 

What can be so vital that it cannot wait until you’re not occupied?

I even turn my cell phone to ‘vibrate’ when I’m with my friends – and I can listen to the message when alone.

I love the convenience of voice mail and email and don’t fear missing out.

It has been six months since I left Facebook, and I haven’t lost contact with any of my close friends – we still communicate regularly. 

It helps that many of my friends are walkers, actors, and healthcare peeps; the rest of them I’ve known for years but haven’t seen for a while. They are still my best friends – some of them have also resisted the allure of Facebook.

If Facebook and/or Instagram are your preferred way of staying in touch with friends and family – maybe you’re a victim of FOMO? 

But I’m not critical because many of my friends love Facebook and Instagram, and I do not think badly of them. 

I just wanted everyone to know why I decided to leave Facebook.

In the words of the late Maya Angelou:

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.

I’m going for a walk in Richmond today.  I will be thinking about my next story…

Dedicated to my readers

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

It’s up to you
‘Cause I’ve done everything I can
I hope that you
Will say that I’m your loving man

Make up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well, you know how I feel
So, I’m leaving it up to you

It’s all so clear
That I would give everything I own
To have you near
Never leave me all alone

I need your love
So, darling, please be fair
Let me know where I stand
And I hope that you say you care

Well, I’ve laid my cards on the table
And it’s oh, so plain to see
That I’m ready, willing, and able
To love you, faithfully

It’s up to you
No, it’s not for me to say
You love me too
Oh, but I hope you feel that way

Make up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well, you know how I feel
So, I’m leaving it up to you

Make up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well, you know how I feel
So, I’m leaving it up to you

It’s up to you
Darling, it’s up to you
Baby, it’s up to you
Darling, it’s up to you

Baby, it’s up to you
Darling, it’s up to you
Baby, it’s up to you…

Songwriters: Jerry Fuller