Claudia here, has been working as an author for Mimikama for almost two years. In my private blog yesterday I wrote down my thoughts on life with or without social media. It's not the first time that I've thought about whether being on social media platforms is really necessary. That's why I took this outage as an opportunity to let my thoughts run wild.

It's funny, I can't even call it a "love-hate relationship", I almost don't care too much about it. But I often ask myself why we all spend more or less hours on these various networks.

What is certain is that it represents a slightly different instrument for entrepreneurs and that the “pro arguments” are therefore different. – But as a private person?

What are the positive sides?

Yes, of course - there are some that will be individual for each individual and therefore have to be answered differently. So I can only say what is positive for ME about Facebook and Co.

Hm…
Uh… – This pause followed by this “Hm” is actually enough of an answer, right? But well... A killer argument is in any case that I'm connected to people who don't live around the corner from me, who I wouldn't otherwise know much about. That's about two handfuls of people for whom I'm really happy that it's working out this way and that this opportunity exists.

Back in the day – back then, the “old-fashioned way back” – we sent each other emails to keep each other up to date from time to time. The most important things were packed there and not every fart, stupid thing to say. Well, I didn't know what XY had for lunch at the time. And I could actually live with that. In the more “old-fashioned past”, i.e. the one that was closer to the Stone Age than to the social media era (you can exaggerate sometimes 😉 ), we also picked up the phone and called from time to time. And then we chatted for hours - we heard the minute counter on our telephone plan rattling away in the background. That was ok too.

Today I use WhatsApp for this, sometimes inflationary. There are often five messages sent out in a row, with perhaps just a few emojis or a few short words in each message. There was also criticism: “Can’t you write everything in ONE longer message?” – “No, then the effect will be lost” (in your mind: “No, because it just doesn’t matter!”)

Facebook runs alongside it. You who are friends with me on Facebook: Don't laugh! Yes, I post a lot, I often ask myself “Was this really necessary?” – Here too in my mind: “It just doesn’t matter.” I’ve been on Facebook since 2009. For over twelve years! This is actually crazy. I have never been in a job for so long, nor have any of my relationships lasted so long. But yes, it just happens on the side - a familiar everyday companion, this Facebook.

Things look a little different on Instagram. Here I tend to post things that show what I'm really interested in, what I create - these can be drawings, graphics or even photos.

If you compare it directly, you could say - a little nastily - that Facebook can be used as a dumping ground for EVERYTHING. (Of course my postings there aren't rubbish! 😉 ) But a lot ends up there that - to tie in with the above - isn't absolutely necessary. So is Facebook the residual waste bin of social media portals?

Into the round binder?

It would probably be a bit exaggerated. A lot of things on Facebook are great. But my job at Mimikama also confirms again and again that Facebook also offers a lot of space for real garbage or even dirt. Dirt that you don't actually want to encounter.

I don't want to just complain here (well, maybe a little bit), so once again: A lot of things on Facebook are great. Various groups are really good, some sites as well - you get a lot of delivery there. Many posts from friends make me laugh, smile, be amazed, happy and also think. It's true, I don't want to miss that.

Nevertheless, after the Facebook outage, I asked myself whether I could live without it. And I can definitely answer that with a loud YES.

Instagram: I don’t have to think about it for long, Instagram definitely falls under the category of “dirty” to me.

WhatsApp: Wow, things are getting more difficult. But WhatsApp is not a platform, but a messenger. Which many, many acquaintances and friends use. But of course, if WhatsApp didn't exist, it would be a different messenger service. Or, as far as I'm concerned, SMS - thousands of them are thrown at you for free in the flat rate tariffs anyway. It would be more difficult with photos and videos, but a solution could be found for that too - if absolutely necessary.

What if?

Of course, we initially sniffed around the various platforms curiously, tried to get a first impression, were happy to meet old and new friends, and certainly played one or two games. And then you kind of grow into it. Well, and then there it is. As if it had never been different.

The real question after the failure was: “What if it stays like this? What if Facebook can never be restored?”

First of all, I would have been annoyed that I didn't back up my profile and all my content. I'm sure I still have all the photos etc. saved somewhere, but of course nowhere in such a concentrated amount. (Ah, I'll do that now - it won't hurt.)

And then? It would have been quiet. The glances at the cell phone would have decreased until they stopped completely. The phases where I sit at the PC and scroll through Facebook, liking something here and there and rarely commenting on something would have been eliminated. And honestly - I often like SOME comment from a stranger on another stranger's post, think to myself "Please, they don't know me and I don't know them either, why am I even reacting to that?!" and delete my like again.

My job at Mimikama would inevitably have changed. Large parts would have remained the same, but of course a lot would have changed if Facebook, Insta and WhatsApp suddenly simply no longer existed. False reports and attempted fraud, for example, would continue to occur on other platforms or in other communication channels. Still, it would just be different. And it was through Facebook that I got this job in the first place.

But otherwise?

Would I look for another social network where I can mindlessly scroll around and like posts? Perhaps. But maybe not.

I'm already represented in a few networks, such as LinkedIn and Twitter recently. But nowhere to such an extent as on Facebook. That's a good thing, and I don't think it would change even if Facebook were eliminated.

How would social contacts change? Would we meet old friends more often again? Would you have a regular pub you could go to again, where you knew there would always be someone you knew? Would we talk on the phone more often again? I don't know it. But I think it would be really exciting to find out.

This calm...

Often when I go for a walk with my dog, I just stand still for a moment and enjoy the nature around me. The calm. The smell. The light. The warmth or cold. I like the sounds you can hear there. The whistle caused by the wind. The rustling of the trees. The cries and songs of the birds. The rippling of water.

Then I just stop, close my eyes and take a deep breath. As if I wanted to absorb everything around me, at least for a moment. I want to keep that feeling for a while. Or at least remember what it felt like.

… – these are complete moments for me.

Far too often I feel compelled to show my friends what I'm doing, how good I'm doing, how beautiful or funny this and that is that I'm seeing, or how much fun I'm having with my dog have. And yes, I'm happy about likes and comments. After all, the reward center in Geirn also wants to be served! 😉

But honestly? The REALLY GOOD moments are mine. And they don't need a photo, a “feels…” or a comment on any social media platform.

I think that after a day or two without Facebook I would actually have more time and enjoy it to the fullest.
Secretly there was probably a small bit of hope that Facebook would really “stay away”. This way I don't have to decide to leave myself.

But what I do know is that in these twelve years (unbelievable!!) I have certainly spent countless hours on and on Facebook that no one can give me back. And many of them were certainly unnecessary.

So, Claudia: pull yourself together – now that you know what a waste of time and energy this “everyday person” can be. – If you let him…


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