Confessions of a Facebook addict.

It’s 9:52. AM, PM; it doesn’t really matter. Either way I am guiltily glancing over my shoulder as I type, softly hunting and pecking, hoping that I can find the correct keys to express these words: Rachée is confessing.

I press share and quickly alt + tab to the task at hand. My Internet hobby is nothing really tawdry or salacious though I wish it were. It’s not tantalizing nor is it fodder for gossip. Alas, it is me feeding my ever growing Facebook Addiction.

I’ve gotten better. I have been consciously limiting my time to a quick check in the AM, one mid day and another evenings but in the beginning, and admittedly even now, I was, and am a fiend.

A family member turned me on to the stuff (as they always do). Buffy called me one day and cried, “Guess who asked me to be a friend on Facebook? K_______ C_______!” At the time I was blissfully ignorant; FB was not a part of my daily life and my paranoid nature kept me away. Who wanted to get to know me? Was that really so and so or somebody pretending to be her? Is that guy the real deal or some weirdo? After I got more comfortable I was in.

I have connected with a few friends that I met at a conference, high school and a few college friends that I have not seen in ages, people from work (coworkers and the like) as well as a few random folk that I have collected along the way. At first it was like a test… do I even know anyone, besides my sis, on FB? When I joined the friend requests came a a good clip and like a kid I was excited. Yes I would accept my cousin’s friend request. Pop? Sho’ nuff. The lady from work that I chatted with? But of course. Then they dribbled and drabbled but t he excitement of the people I knew and who knew or wanted to get to KNOW ME (!?!) was exciting! “You are such a friend slut!” My sister would say as I announced my newest friend. I didn’t care. There were people to meet, chat and befriend (I have a friend from Australia with the same last name!)

As with everything in life, there are few connections that I regret; some people that I really don’t want in my business (only because it truly illustrates how sad and sorry my life is, can be) but the good outweighs the bad and there I am, commenting on the colors of someone’s new living room (an enthusiastic “Great!”), an announcement of a new job (“Way to go!), someone’s outrage at their job (“People suck!”).

Yet, it wasn’t as bad as some people’s horror stories. A few people (OK, one article!) confessed that FB has ruined their lives, that they spend more time online than face to face with actual friends and family. Not I scoffs arrogant Rachée yet I grab my comp and log on, getting lost in hours of status updates, Scramble games, Hippy Names (mine is Earth Karma) and other causes and nonsense that both makes me shake my head in wonder and embarrassment when I slide my eyes to the bottom of the screen and see that not just the fifteen minutes that I have allotted myself have passed, but an actual hour or so has gone!

These days I limit myself, and at times it feels as if I am missing something. The world needs to know my escapades! (Rachée is being a sucky mom! I’m on FB and my kid is asking to read!) But best believe that as soon as I can, I log on and update the FB worked with my latest doings (Rachée has wogged and wogged good!; Rachée is spending time with The Bee, er not!, Rachée is reading the most addictive book!)

After weeks of chaining myself to my inbox (Blah Blah Blah commented on your post or my favorite So and So sent you a message) I realize that like everything else, moderation is the key. As I tear myself away (yes, the drama!) I realize that it’s OK not to FB like its a job. I get more done, The Bee appreciates it and really, it is better to hang in person than to try and come up with a cool status (Rachée is updating her blog! Read it, comment!). So, as I sign off (Rachée has left the building!) I bid thee farewell. Until we meet online.

Rachée is NOT on Facebook,
-r

P.S. When one of my mom’s friends got online, I knew the end was near. Do I really want to be friends with Miss _________? Yes. cause now I am up to 232 friends.
Yay me!