Leaving Facebook & The Negative Impacts of Social Media
Written By: Kristen MacKenzie Originally Written: 2016
Edited: 2021 Guest Editor: Sarah Cipkar
Copyright: 2021
In Pew Research Center’s Internet, Science & Technology article dated November 11, 2016, 79% of all internet users documented use Facebook. In a national survey conducted between March 7th - April 4th, 2016, a little over 1,500 adults aged 18 years and above across the U.S. discovered ‘Facebook continues to be America’s most popular social networking site’. Roughly 8-in-10 Americans use Facebook, double the number of those on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn. Meanwhile, 62% of adults online aged 65+ also use Facebook. While Facebook remains popular, according to a January 2014 TIME magazine article, more than 11 million estimated people have left since 2011. So why is this happening? To explain this, we need to understand a number of reasons behind it.
For those who aren’t aware, yes I had a Facebook page! I’ve owned a few accounts, since initially joining in January ‘09. Each time I created a new account however, I made sure to clean out everything; before starting a new profile. But I’m permanently done with Facebook! In November 2016, I noticed a growing trend among users commenting that they had enough with Facebook; particularly among a small number of YouTubers. Watching a few videos, I understood the reasons why they decided to leave, along with their arguments against Facebook and other social media platforms. While I agree Facebook has some merits to it, recent studies on the other hand are beginning to show an alarming number of problems within the online community. Predominantly, in cases of online depression. An article published to Science Daily in March 2016, discovered a growing trend among Facebook and social media consumers, as being at risk with what health experts refer to as, “social media depression”. A study conducted in 2014, by a certified Ph.D., sampled over 1,700 adults between the ages of 19 to 32, discovering those who checked their social media most frequently, were 2.7 times likelier to suffer from depression. Comparatively, those who checked their social media less frequently, were 1.7 times likelier at risk for depression. Such examples shared of those at risk for social media depression are:
While those who cite their reasons for leaving Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, either over security concerns, privacy issues, identity theft, boredom, personal reasons, terms of service updates, data selling / stealing, user tracking, the lack of quality content, commercial ad solicitation, etc. I began mulling over my own decision to leave Facebook for some time. In recent years, social media has become a breeding ground for rampant negativity; both cyber bullying and harassment. In October 2016, the website Teen Safe published an article on the statistics of cyber bullying. It showed while 87% of today’s youth have witnessed cyber bullying, close to 34% of students acknowledge they themselves have experienced online harassment. In addition, 15% of students surveyed admitted to cyber bullying, while only 1 in 3 kids today feel more accepted on social media, than in real life. So what does this say about our society? When you consider the survey stating 41% of girls are “more likely to experience cyber bullying at some point in their lives'', compared to a smaller 28% of boys, it shows a lot more work must be done! Specifically in internet safety and at home, among parents and children. Nevertheless, what does this have to do with my own reasons for leaving Facebook?
Originally joining in January 2009, I was initially hesitant to be a part of it! I saw no value in joining a website, where an individual would document their everyday lives. Given my concern after seeing a few news stories about horrific situations involving teenagers and stalkers, needless to say I wasn’t eager to join. After unfortunately relenting to a bit of peer pressure from a now former friend; I quickly made “friends” with an eclectic group of people across the globe. Some “friends”, expressing mutual interest in the same music I also enjoyed. At first, I spent most of my time playing games including casino slots or “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. In late ‘09 however, after searching around for like-minded groups which shared the same love for music as I did, I founded a fan group devoted to a particular Finnish band that myself and many of those I became friends with also enjoyed. A family friendly environment of fans & friends, sharing their love and displaying collections of merchandise, media, artistic drawings, paintings, tattoo’s, fan experiences (concerts or meet & greets), favorite albums & music videos etc. With the help of a few others, I spent my private time offline writing a short 18-page biography on the band, included later on in the group. Working tirelessly in late 2011; I took a one year personal hiatus from Facebook. Returning later in 2012, I found Facebook and even the fan group, was no longer the environment I left behind. Resuming a profile which included 700+ “friends”, I also realized how cluttered my profile had become. Furthermore, the group in which I worked diligently to create and left rules in place during my absence, was systematically dismantled. In response, I was forced to tear down both the group and demolish my Facebook profile. On the heels of creating my second profile, a sense of depression set in each time using it. The number of people I was “friends” with whom followed me to my new account, were less active than before. And many of the communications I previously enjoyed, just weren’t there anymore. Another problem, I once again cluttered up my timeline with news stories which 99.9% of the time I shared, but never looked at! Saving them for later to look at due to my busy schedule, but never finding the time to do so. My profile became a meaningless dumping ground and I, the annoyance of everyone I knew online! My third and final profile in late March 2016, came after the ending of a 3 ½ month relationship I was in from November 2015 - February 2016. However, over the short amount of time owning this new profile; I began realizing Facebook was no longer entertaining for me and I grew resentful of the platform. Therefore in late November 2016, I made the official decision to leave and never return!
While others have expressed why they left, I agree Facebook lacks normal human interaction. Social media allows some individuals to perpetuate a narcissistic and generally, unrealistic reality around them. Because of the celebrity culture we live in today, it’s unknown how many want that similar type of attention! Correspondingly, while a variety of things about Facebook are good, such as keeping in touch with family, close relatives or actual friends, there are plenty of downsides. Like a supermarket tabloid magazine, social media offers instant gratification and easy clickbait! Likewise, social media offers nothing other than artificial relationships more often than not, with people we don’t even know! Despite how many people someone may claim to be friends with, it’s impossible to know for certain if the person you’re speaking with, is who they say they are! Anyone who’s ever seen MTV’s Catfish, will understand what I’m talking about! Moreover, social media is part of the “look at me” culture / generation we all live in now. Competing for the crown of popularity and who can obtain the most subscribers, followers and “friends”. However, there is another more important reason why Facebook and other social media sites are so costly.
In April 2016, the website CareerBuilder released an article, discussing employers using social media to screen prospective candidates. According to CareerBuilder’s annual social media recruitment survey conducted by Harris Poll, 60% of employers now use social networks to research candidates. Between February and March 2016, a representative sampling of over 2,000 managers, human resource professionals and over 3,000 full time, U.S. workers in private sector industries and companies, used Facebook and other social media, to screen potential employees to gain a glimpse beyond resumes and cover letters. So whether it may be posts of alcohol induced debauchery or sometimes explicit bedroom-styled exploitation, warranting either an pornographic adult magazine spread or lingerie catalogue, none of this will attract respect from those looking to hire you! People often forget, what goes on the internet stays there forever and can come back to haunt you, or be used against you! Especially when impressionable, underage young girls submit provocative photos of themselves without parental consent, to a controversial/semi-famous YouTuber’s online internet forum, claiming to promote “body positivity”. (Side Note: U.S. Child Porn Laws, U.S. DOJ & U.S. DOJ Child Pornography) Furthermore, when British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, eagerly acquired millions of Facebook user data to create psychological profiles of consumers, the scandal that became known as the largest digital leak in social media’s (much less Facebook’s) history, not only escalated the growing political trends we’re facing in today’s media and social media landscape, but has also changed our own relationship with social media as well.
Above all, the most bothersome thing about Facebook, are the paid advertisements. We live in a commercialized world, where commerce is king! 12% of ads on Facebook are by paid companies profiting through the use of digital marketing. Aside from those posting about work, family, vacations, boasting about buying a new car, or displaying pictures of their food, 50% of posts have something potentially interesting. (Tanktronic) So why are so many leaving Facebook? Like a twisted reality show, our online lives are and have become fake! Social media is now the equivalent of a bad E! Network or MTV ``reality” show, thriving on easy drama. Social media allows individuals to buy into recycled trends, pyramid schemes, lame acronyms, ridiculous emoji’s, bored memes, unnecessary name shipping, useless hashtags, and wanton self-obsession with a vapid need for attention, seeking validation from others! We’ve lost the mystery to who we are as people by centering our entire lives sharing everything, that it is no longer bringing us together, but driving us apart! Truth is, if I were to give advice on whether or not social media is something worth joining, I would have to say no! Overall, it does more harm than good! Thus, why you will never see me on Snapchat or any other trendy social media platform. To be honest, it’s too much of a burden and headache to keep up with! Truth be told, as much as Facebook and other social media may be great for networking or making a positive impact in your community or society, it will ultimately continue to be useless as its core!
For those who aren’t aware, yes I had a Facebook page! I’ve owned a few accounts, since initially joining in January ‘09. Each time I created a new account however, I made sure to clean out everything; before starting a new profile. But I’m permanently done with Facebook! In November 2016, I noticed a growing trend among users commenting that they had enough with Facebook; particularly among a small number of YouTubers. Watching a few videos, I understood the reasons why they decided to leave, along with their arguments against Facebook and other social media platforms. While I agree Facebook has some merits to it, recent studies on the other hand are beginning to show an alarming number of problems within the online community. Predominantly, in cases of online depression. An article published to Science Daily in March 2016, discovered a growing trend among Facebook and social media consumers, as being at risk with what health experts refer to as, “social media depression”. A study conducted in 2014, by a certified Ph.D., sampled over 1,700 adults between the ages of 19 to 32, discovering those who checked their social media most frequently, were 2.7 times likelier to suffer from depression. Comparatively, those who checked their social media less frequently, were 1.7 times likelier at risk for depression. Such examples shared of those at risk for social media depression are:
1. Exposure to highly idealized representations of peers on social media, eliciting feelings of envy, while distorting the belief that others lead happier and more successful lives.
2. Engaging in activities of little or no meaning on social media, leaving the feeling of ‘time wasted’ negatively affecting a person’s mood.
3. Social media fueling a problem with “internet addiction”, with a proposed psychiatric condition closely associated with depression.
4. Increased time spent on social media, increasing the risk of exposure to cyber-bullying or similar negative interactions, leading to feelings or symptoms of depression.
While those who cite their reasons for leaving Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, either over security concerns, privacy issues, identity theft, boredom, personal reasons, terms of service updates, data selling / stealing, user tracking, the lack of quality content, commercial ad solicitation, etc. I began mulling over my own decision to leave Facebook for some time. In recent years, social media has become a breeding ground for rampant negativity; both cyber bullying and harassment. In October 2016, the website Teen Safe published an article on the statistics of cyber bullying. It showed while 87% of today’s youth have witnessed cyber bullying, close to 34% of students acknowledge they themselves have experienced online harassment. In addition, 15% of students surveyed admitted to cyber bullying, while only 1 in 3 kids today feel more accepted on social media, than in real life. So what does this say about our society? When you consider the survey stating 41% of girls are “more likely to experience cyber bullying at some point in their lives'', compared to a smaller 28% of boys, it shows a lot more work must be done! Specifically in internet safety and at home, among parents and children. Nevertheless, what does this have to do with my own reasons for leaving Facebook?
Originally joining in January 2009, I was initially hesitant to be a part of it! I saw no value in joining a website, where an individual would document their everyday lives. Given my concern after seeing a few news stories about horrific situations involving teenagers and stalkers, needless to say I wasn’t eager to join. After unfortunately relenting to a bit of peer pressure from a now former friend; I quickly made “friends” with an eclectic group of people across the globe. Some “friends”, expressing mutual interest in the same music I also enjoyed. At first, I spent most of my time playing games including casino slots or “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. In late ‘09 however, after searching around for like-minded groups which shared the same love for music as I did, I founded a fan group devoted to a particular Finnish band that myself and many of those I became friends with also enjoyed. A family friendly environment of fans & friends, sharing their love and displaying collections of merchandise, media, artistic drawings, paintings, tattoo’s, fan experiences (concerts or meet & greets), favorite albums & music videos etc. With the help of a few others, I spent my private time offline writing a short 18-page biography on the band, included later on in the group. Working tirelessly in late 2011; I took a one year personal hiatus from Facebook. Returning later in 2012, I found Facebook and even the fan group, was no longer the environment I left behind. Resuming a profile which included 700+ “friends”, I also realized how cluttered my profile had become. Furthermore, the group in which I worked diligently to create and left rules in place during my absence, was systematically dismantled. In response, I was forced to tear down both the group and demolish my Facebook profile. On the heels of creating my second profile, a sense of depression set in each time using it. The number of people I was “friends” with whom followed me to my new account, were less active than before. And many of the communications I previously enjoyed, just weren’t there anymore. Another problem, I once again cluttered up my timeline with news stories which 99.9% of the time I shared, but never looked at! Saving them for later to look at due to my busy schedule, but never finding the time to do so. My profile became a meaningless dumping ground and I, the annoyance of everyone I knew online! My third and final profile in late March 2016, came after the ending of a 3 ½ month relationship I was in from November 2015 - February 2016. However, over the short amount of time owning this new profile; I began realizing Facebook was no longer entertaining for me and I grew resentful of the platform. Therefore in late November 2016, I made the official decision to leave and never return!
While others have expressed why they left, I agree Facebook lacks normal human interaction. Social media allows some individuals to perpetuate a narcissistic and generally, unrealistic reality around them. Because of the celebrity culture we live in today, it’s unknown how many want that similar type of attention! Correspondingly, while a variety of things about Facebook are good, such as keeping in touch with family, close relatives or actual friends, there are plenty of downsides. Like a supermarket tabloid magazine, social media offers instant gratification and easy clickbait! Likewise, social media offers nothing other than artificial relationships more often than not, with people we don’t even know! Despite how many people someone may claim to be friends with, it’s impossible to know for certain if the person you’re speaking with, is who they say they are! Anyone who’s ever seen MTV’s Catfish, will understand what I’m talking about! Moreover, social media is part of the “look at me” culture / generation we all live in now. Competing for the crown of popularity and who can obtain the most subscribers, followers and “friends”. However, there is another more important reason why Facebook and other social media sites are so costly.
In April 2016, the website CareerBuilder released an article, discussing employers using social media to screen prospective candidates. According to CareerBuilder’s annual social media recruitment survey conducted by Harris Poll, 60% of employers now use social networks to research candidates. Between February and March 2016, a representative sampling of over 2,000 managers, human resource professionals and over 3,000 full time, U.S. workers in private sector industries and companies, used Facebook and other social media, to screen potential employees to gain a glimpse beyond resumes and cover letters. So whether it may be posts of alcohol induced debauchery or sometimes explicit bedroom-styled exploitation, warranting either an pornographic adult magazine spread or lingerie catalogue, none of this will attract respect from those looking to hire you! People often forget, what goes on the internet stays there forever and can come back to haunt you, or be used against you! Especially when impressionable, underage young girls submit provocative photos of themselves without parental consent, to a controversial/semi-famous YouTuber’s online internet forum, claiming to promote “body positivity”. (Side Note: U.S. Child Porn Laws, U.S. DOJ & U.S. DOJ Child Pornography) Furthermore, when British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, eagerly acquired millions of Facebook user data to create psychological profiles of consumers, the scandal that became known as the largest digital leak in social media’s (much less Facebook’s) history, not only escalated the growing political trends we’re facing in today’s media and social media landscape, but has also changed our own relationship with social media as well.
Above all, the most bothersome thing about Facebook, are the paid advertisements. We live in a commercialized world, where commerce is king! 12% of ads on Facebook are by paid companies profiting through the use of digital marketing. Aside from those posting about work, family, vacations, boasting about buying a new car, or displaying pictures of their food, 50% of posts have something potentially interesting. (Tanktronic) So why are so many leaving Facebook? Like a twisted reality show, our online lives are and have become fake! Social media is now the equivalent of a bad E! Network or MTV ``reality” show, thriving on easy drama. Social media allows individuals to buy into recycled trends, pyramid schemes, lame acronyms, ridiculous emoji’s, bored memes, unnecessary name shipping, useless hashtags, and wanton self-obsession with a vapid need for attention, seeking validation from others! We’ve lost the mystery to who we are as people by centering our entire lives sharing everything, that it is no longer bringing us together, but driving us apart! Truth is, if I were to give advice on whether or not social media is something worth joining, I would have to say no! Overall, it does more harm than good! Thus, why you will never see me on Snapchat or any other trendy social media platform. To be honest, it’s too much of a burden and headache to keep up with! Truth be told, as much as Facebook and other social media may be great for networking or making a positive impact in your community or society, it will ultimately continue to be useless as its core!
Thank You's:
Special Thank you to TankTronic and his video “Why I Left Facebook” for some of the stats used in his video to add to this editorial.
University of Pittsburgh Schools of The Health Sciences, “Social Media Use Associated with Depression Among U.S. Young Adults”, Science Daily March 22, 2016, WEB. December 03, 2016 < https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160322100401.htm >
Teen Safe Inc. “Cyber Bullying Facts and Statistics”, TeenSafe October 04, 2016, WEB. December 03, 2016 < http://www.teensafe.com/blog/cyber-bullying-facts-and-statistics/ >
YouTube.com “MTV Catfish”, November 12, 2012, WEB. January 16, 2021 < https://www.youtube.com/c/Catfish/videos >
YouTube.com “Noise”, December 23, 2020, WEB. January 20, 2021 < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9dJtYxst-0&ab_channel=Nightwish >
CareerBuilder.ca, “Number of Employers Using Social Media To Screen Candidates Has Increased 500 Percent Over The Last Decade”. April 28th, 2016. WEB. December 03, 2016 < http://www.careerbuilder.ca/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?sd=4%2F28%2F2016&id=pr945&ed=12%2F31%2F2016 >
Greenwood, Shannon; Perrin, Andrew & Duggan, Maeve. “Social Media Update 2016: Facebook Usage and Engagement is On The Rise While Adoption of Other Platforms Hold Steady” PewResearchCenter November 11, 2016, WEB. December 17, 2016 < http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/11/11/social-media-update-2016/ >
Matthews, Christopher, “More Than 11 Million Young People Have Fled Facebook Since 2011” TIME January 15, 2014 WEB. December 17, 2016 < http://business.time.com/2014/01/15/more-than-11-million-young-people-have-fled-facebook-since-2011/ >
Wikipedia, “Jailbait Images” Wikipedia.org WEB. December 30, 2016 < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jailbait_images >
Hicks, William “YouTuber Onision Runs Creepy Forum Where Young Teenage Girls Post Photos in Their Underwear” HEATSTREET December 20, 2016 WEB. December 27, 2016 < http://heatst.com/tech/youtuber-onision-runs-creepy-forum-where-young-teenage-girls-post-photos-in-their-underwear/ >
U.S. DOJ, “Citizen's Guide To U.S. Federal Law on Child Pornography” United States Department of Federal Justice, July 6, 2015 WEB. December 30, 2016 < https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/citizens-guide-us-federal-law-child-pornography >
U.S. DOJ, “Child Pornography” United States Department of Justice June 3, 2015 WEB. December 30, 2016 < https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/child-pornography >
Confessore, Nicholas “Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: The Scandal and The Fallout So Far.” The New York Times April 4, 2018 WEB. January 26, 2021 < https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html >
Sources:
University of Pittsburgh Schools of The Health Sciences, “Social Media Use Associated with Depression Among U.S. Young Adults”, Science Daily March 22, 2016, WEB. December 03, 2016 < https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160322100401.htm >
Teen Safe Inc. “Cyber Bullying Facts and Statistics”, TeenSafe October 04, 2016, WEB. December 03, 2016 < http://www.teensafe.com/blog/cyber-bullying-facts-and-statistics/ >
YouTube.com “MTV Catfish”, November 12, 2012, WEB. January 16, 2021 < https://www.youtube.com/c/Catfish/videos >
YouTube.com “Noise”, December 23, 2020, WEB. January 20, 2021 < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9dJtYxst-0&ab_channel=Nightwish >
(Note: Credit to the band Nightwish from Finland. Single “Noise” from the album - Human :II: Nature (2020 release) Nuclear Blast Records).
CareerBuilder.ca, “Number of Employers Using Social Media To Screen Candidates Has Increased 500 Percent Over The Last Decade”. April 28th, 2016. WEB. December 03, 2016 < http://www.careerbuilder.ca/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?sd=4%2F28%2F2016&id=pr945&ed=12%2F31%2F2016 >
Greenwood, Shannon; Perrin, Andrew & Duggan, Maeve. “Social Media Update 2016: Facebook Usage and Engagement is On The Rise While Adoption of Other Platforms Hold Steady” PewResearchCenter November 11, 2016, WEB. December 17, 2016 < http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/11/11/social-media-update-2016/ >
Matthews, Christopher, “More Than 11 Million Young People Have Fled Facebook Since 2011” TIME January 15, 2014 WEB. December 17, 2016 < http://business.time.com/2014/01/15/more-than-11-million-young-people-have-fled-facebook-since-2011/ >
Wikipedia, “Jailbait Images” Wikipedia.org WEB. December 30, 2016 < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jailbait_images >
Hicks, William “YouTuber Onision Runs Creepy Forum Where Young Teenage Girls Post Photos in Their Underwear” HEATSTREET December 20, 2016 WEB. December 27, 2016 < http://heatst.com/tech/youtuber-onision-runs-creepy-forum-where-young-teenage-girls-post-photos-in-their-underwear/ >
U.S. DOJ, “Citizen's Guide To U.S. Federal Law on Child Pornography” United States Department of Federal Justice, July 6, 2015 WEB. December 30, 2016 < https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/citizens-guide-us-federal-law-child-pornography >
U.S. DOJ, “Child Pornography” United States Department of Justice June 3, 2015 WEB. December 30, 2016 < https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/child-pornography >
Confessore, Nicholas “Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: The Scandal and The Fallout So Far.” The New York Times April 4, 2018 WEB. January 26, 2021 < https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html >
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