I’ve been without Facebook for a week and with each passing day it becomes easier to live without it. During the first few days I wanted to login every minute, my job entails extensive use of the internet and being online was torture. For a couple days I felt disconnected from society, out of touch with my friends, I even worried about how I would get in touch with them, then I remember email and cell phones. Facebook was one of the five internet sites I visit each day, I’ve yet to branch out and discover what the web has to offer, but I’m taking this thing one day at a time.

Living without Facebook has given me a new perspective, I never realized how social networking is so ingrained in American culture. My friends talk about news they see of FB or about a mutual friend’s wall post and comments. I remember when I first learned about Facebook back in ‘03; I though it was lame, I didn’t want to connect with fellow students via the web. It’s incredible how FB took off and captivated the minds of so many Americans.

Since giving up Facebook I’ve had more free time. I’m more efficient, instead of staring at Facebook for fifteen minutes every hour, I work. I no longer feel obligated to comment on friends’ walls or photos, I’m more free to do what I want. This week I’ve worked out more, cleaned my apartment, began keeping a journal, and spent more time with friends.

Although I miss Facebook dearly, I’m looking forward to going without it for another week. Perhaps I will discover a new website, finally organize my office, read a new book or take more bong rips. There’s no telling what I’ll get into with all this free time on my hands.