Recently I removed Facebook and Instagram from my phone. I was inspired to do so after reading "The Ruthless Elimination of ..." by John Mark Comer. I can still access my accounts from my PC. But I am much more intentional, and I use time constraints. I enjoy seeing life updates from my friends who are spread around the world. And social media seems the best way to keep in touch. So, I am trying to take the good and leave the bad. Enjoy your sabbatical!
I am in social media because of real life friends who share updates on their family and pictures of things that bring them joy. I also use social media to help spread the word about a book, an article, or product made by a personal friend. I spend almost zero time scrolling. Social media used to be my job. When that job was over it was hard to reduce my time on various platforms. But I have successfully done that over the past 8 to 10 years. I would go to websites, but finding the URL when I have time or even remembering to go to a website is not happening. I get that information from social media first, then go read the full article or newsletter. 🩷 In the end everyone has to do what is best for them. There are many times when I bypass posts or unsubscribe from newsletters because the content is draining to me instead of filling. 🩷
I like your thoughts of self-care and stepping away. I would like to say that I would do the same, but I am not there yet. I do block the people who only post political stuff, whether it’s for the one I support or not. I am on FB and IG to see my children, grandchildren and authors. I went on Safe Chat because a friend told me it would be better. It’s the same, with fewer people so fewer distractions. I appreciate your honesty and hope you do take and enjoy a sabbatical. This is a good time to move away from social media for sure!
I’m exhausted by FB in general and by the pressure to compete on IG. I have people say “we need your wisdom, your encouragement, your art.” I’m hoping they’ll follow me to here. It’ll take a while. FB is really cool for my generation.
II applaud anyone considering leaving social media or limiting their time using it. It can consume so much time that could be used for other things with more value. When I'm in a waiting room, almost everyone has their faces turned to a phone or tablet. I miss having conversations with people! Social media has changed over the years. My work has involved computers since the 1980s, so I'm computer savvy, but when I think about getting back on Facebook, I break out in a sweat. I'm an author of non-fiction but when I tried to get a fiction book published, my social media standing seemed of utmost importance to potential publishers. That seems wrong in many ways. I didn't know when I had my blog in the early 2000s that it was called being an Aughties! I wonder, when we look back in a couple of decades, what social media will have done to our society. Hopefully some good, but right now I think it's making a society of people who need to have news and information immediately, and much of it is reactionary and not accurate and not truly important. I hope and pray that many will find balance in their lives and remember to spend time with family and friends and not be attached to their electronic devices constantly.
I was an Aughties blogger—those were good years. The first time someone left a comment on a post, I was like—who? What? How’d that happen?! But seriously, it was a good place of growth for me in many ways. I actually can’t believe I used to write that much—enough to fill a book with prayers and poems in 2013. What I miss most is the space to really process things, instead of resorting to sound bites that IG and FB seem to favor.
The last few years (an injury that sidelined me for 9 months, followed by the illness and untimely death of my sister) have left me somewhat shake , and words just aren’t there anymore. I find myself doing the mindless scrolling which certainly doesn’t satisfy. Add that to the fact that nearly everything we need to do needs to be accomplished via phone. Ugh. I’m so over it all.
Exactly. The time and space to process has been replaced by the urgency to instantly be part of the conversation and make your voice heard (even though all of our voices are just more and more regurgitating what the echo chamber feeds us).
I'm so sorry about your loss. It's so hard to write when we are grieving and stunned. But I think if you found joy in writing in the past, it will likely come back. Hang in there. There is something that satisfies. We just won't find it on our phones. ❤️
Great article. So enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this topic, Erin. I sympathize completely with your point of view. For a while now I have found myself either feeling annoyed by the invitation of the Infinite Scroll, or cheated of my time after I have voluntarily wasted my time by engaging in it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We need to have more discussions about this.
Standing ovation. I remain on FB and IG largely due to writing, but also because I retired from teaching high school in a small town, and I love watching my kiddos grow up (some are in their early 40s now). But all the other stuff... I100% agree.
I have friends and family on Facebook, which I would lose all contact with if I left. My husband has terminal cancer and we live a very isolated life, except for medical appointments. I also use Messenger to keep in contact with my kids and my sister and brother. On Facebook, I try to post something funny each day. Sometimes pictures of flowers or my crafts. Sometimes Bible verses or encouragements. And updates about my husband or me. I have unpopular opinions, so I try to keep that at a minimum, at least on my page. I do participate in support groups for my husband's cancer (myelofibrosis) and a few hobby groups.
I do have a substack account, but I don't use my real name. Also, I haven't set it up. If I were ever to finish my novel, I would publish it under a pen name anyway.
I understand your reluctance to continue to engage with Facebook and other social media platforms. I just have Facebook and messenger on my phone. On my little laptop, I have Threads (Twitter substitute), Substack, and WordPress. I refuse to put those apps on my phone. I use my little Chromebook to interact with those platforms.
Yes, if you are isolated and going through a difficult time, Facebook can be really helpful. My current inclination is to stop using social media for author-related stuff (my FB page) but keep my personal profile with an even smaller friend list (only real people who really know me, who are real-life friends I actually interact with). I like seeing Facebook memories of goofy things my son said when he was little, and I do use FB marketplace and a few groups.
You captured how I've been feeling for a long time as well. I've been in limbo about my author website and about social media because I used to be a blogger way back when, but now it seems people use social media to post short "blog" posts. I miss blogging and reading other people's writing. I have not investigated Substack, but I follow you there as well as a few other writers. Maybe I'll investigate that further as I'm preparing my first book for release and working on my second. Thank you for a thought-provoking article. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
It's constant battle to moderate my use of social media. Moderation is hard. When my menopausal body started loathing alcohol, instead of moderating , I just stopped drinking. No more wasting energy on should I drink or how much or am I drinking enough water? Even when I block social media, which I do a lot, the shadow of it still lingers, waiting to pull me back in. I deeply envy Ann Patchett and how she doesn't use social media at all and doesn't watch TV. I can't even imagine the huge swaths of free time I would have without those 2 things and what I could do with that time!
Yes, the "time suck" aspect of social media is huge. In our household, we have specific times we watch an episode of a show as a family, and good TV and movies are actually a big part of our lives and I feel no negative feelings toward it. We haven't had cable for decades. Social media is harder to moderate, because it's always there in your pocket. Getting older and losing family members too young has made it feel more urgent not to waste time on our phones. We're never going to be making real connections with the people we love on social media. And we're certainly not making any good memories when we're on Facebook or Instagram.
Erin, I am not sure where I found your first book, but I have been a fan ever since. Thank you for the work you put into writing very interesting novels. The first time I joined Facebook, I did not stay with it for very long. Being bombarded with “friend requests” from high school classmates/schoolmates who did not even give me a second look back in the day…well, I just didn’t need to waste my time so I deleted my account. I rejoined a few years later in order to be part of a crafting group that interested me. I do not use Instagram, and have only one Facebook friend. Those I follow on Facebook are part of a very short list. I consider myself a dinosaur when it comes to social media. When I do get sidetracked by those random posts deemed “interesting” for me by Facebook, I only end up annoying myself over the wasted time. I enjoy your posts because I enjoy your books, yet in whatever way you keep your readers informed about your next book release, when and where to pre-order, and where I might attend a book signing, I am sure it will be sufficient. Just be sure to keep us informed, please. Now, go kick back, relax, and enjoy that scenery that surrounds you!
Yep! Even if I actually leave social media for good, anyone who follows me here or subscribes to get this in their inbox will know what's going on and what's coming up!
I've been very tempted to dropkick all my social media, but that seems anathema for an indie author. I don't have much of a following (yet) on Substack or my newsletter, and I get dribs and drabs of engagement from the writing community on Instagram and Threads. Facebook is completely worthless. I'll probably try to build my subscribers for another year or two, then delete the rest.
Just finished reading what you wrote and I applaud your decision. I (and I’m betting all your readers) will read your books even if I don’t know you moved or went on vacation or got a new dog; all of this is really none of my business! You write books I can’t wait to get my hands on and I am grateful for that. I don’t need the “dog and pony show” and I would rather have you working on your next book instead of stressing about what to share with the world. I wish you all the best.
I primarily use social media to see what my children, grandchildren, and other family members are doing. I also post on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkin, to promote my writing. Other than that, I don't spend a lot of time on social media. What I do spend way too much time on is newsfeeds to stay up on what is happening in country and world. Maybe I need a sabbatical from that!
Erin, What an amazing, honest post! I'm a MI gal, class of 1989- VLHS Saginaw- I've been a librarian since I started as a student worker back in 1991- Reference Librarian now. I've worked both academic and public, currently public- so for over 30 years I have seen the difference with the internet- I was trained old school, card catalog, reader's guide to periodic literature (remember those green bound books? nice color? ) I actually went to internet training as a librarian starting out-they sent us to Sandusky, MI ( a whole group of us) I remember leaving that meeting thinks, Oh, this internet business is simply strange- Now it is my whole job- reference is basically internet based. I agree with you on F.B. I do not have an account-nor will not. I had one briefly for 3 months, about 15 years ago, and then had them disable it. I care enough about people to actually call, visit, text, send a card, instead of hiding behind a screen. I really like all the points you have made here, valid, and to the point. Kudos to your husband and his new phone. Excellent choice. When I'm not at work, I limit tech time/etc. (My husband has a business f.b. I use on occasion if needed, to check something for a business/or when my kids were in college, the f.b. page for parents at their college/helpful) I'll continue to support you, keep in touch in whatever way you choose ( carrier pigeon, perhaps?) I wish you all the best on your possible sabbatical , writing career etc! I was hoping to have you come to the library where I work this year, but our library did not get the Michigan Notable Author in 2024.
Also, I enjoy the paintings I purchased from you, beautiful! We recently purchased a 1931 (restored home) in the country in Marquette and your paintings will be perfect there too! I'll keep on reading your books and promoting you here- All on the best on your future!
Recently I removed Facebook and Instagram from my phone. I was inspired to do so after reading "The Ruthless Elimination of ..." by John Mark Comer. I can still access my accounts from my PC. But I am much more intentional, and I use time constraints. I enjoy seeing life updates from my friends who are spread around the world. And social media seems the best way to keep in touch. So, I am trying to take the good and leave the bad. Enjoy your sabbatical!
Great idea! And your reasons for having social media are my reasons too.
I am in social media because of real life friends who share updates on their family and pictures of things that bring them joy. I also use social media to help spread the word about a book, an article, or product made by a personal friend. I spend almost zero time scrolling. Social media used to be my job. When that job was over it was hard to reduce my time on various platforms. But I have successfully done that over the past 8 to 10 years. I would go to websites, but finding the URL when I have time or even remembering to go to a website is not happening. I get that information from social media first, then go read the full article or newsletter. 🩷 In the end everyone has to do what is best for them. There are many times when I bypass posts or unsubscribe from newsletters because the content is draining to me instead of filling. 🩷
I like your thoughts of self-care and stepping away. I would like to say that I would do the same, but I am not there yet. I do block the people who only post political stuff, whether it’s for the one I support or not. I am on FB and IG to see my children, grandchildren and authors. I went on Safe Chat because a friend told me it would be better. It’s the same, with fewer people so fewer distractions. I appreciate your honesty and hope you do take and enjoy a sabbatical. This is a good time to move away from social media for sure!
Yes! I do the same.
I’m exhausted by FB in general and by the pressure to compete on IG. I have people say “we need your wisdom, your encouragement, your art.” I’m hoping they’ll follow me to here. It’ll take a while. FB is really cool for my generation.
II applaud anyone considering leaving social media or limiting their time using it. It can consume so much time that could be used for other things with more value. When I'm in a waiting room, almost everyone has their faces turned to a phone or tablet. I miss having conversations with people! Social media has changed over the years. My work has involved computers since the 1980s, so I'm computer savvy, but when I think about getting back on Facebook, I break out in a sweat. I'm an author of non-fiction but when I tried to get a fiction book published, my social media standing seemed of utmost importance to potential publishers. That seems wrong in many ways. I didn't know when I had my blog in the early 2000s that it was called being an Aughties! I wonder, when we look back in a couple of decades, what social media will have done to our society. Hopefully some good, but right now I think it's making a society of people who need to have news and information immediately, and much of it is reactionary and not accurate and not truly important. I hope and pray that many will find balance in their lives and remember to spend time with family and friends and not be attached to their electronic devices constantly.
I think, in general, the negative effects far outweigh the positive. And I'm pretty sure research backs that up.
I was an Aughties blogger—those were good years. The first time someone left a comment on a post, I was like—who? What? How’d that happen?! But seriously, it was a good place of growth for me in many ways. I actually can’t believe I used to write that much—enough to fill a book with prayers and poems in 2013. What I miss most is the space to really process things, instead of resorting to sound bites that IG and FB seem to favor.
The last few years (an injury that sidelined me for 9 months, followed by the illness and untimely death of my sister) have left me somewhat shake , and words just aren’t there anymore. I find myself doing the mindless scrolling which certainly doesn’t satisfy. Add that to the fact that nearly everything we need to do needs to be accomplished via phone. Ugh. I’m so over it all.
Exactly. The time and space to process has been replaced by the urgency to instantly be part of the conversation and make your voice heard (even though all of our voices are just more and more regurgitating what the echo chamber feeds us).
I'm so sorry about your loss. It's so hard to write when we are grieving and stunned. But I think if you found joy in writing in the past, it will likely come back. Hang in there. There is something that satisfies. We just won't find it on our phones. ❤️
Great article. So enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this topic, Erin. I sympathize completely with your point of view. For a while now I have found myself either feeling annoyed by the invitation of the Infinite Scroll, or cheated of my time after I have voluntarily wasted my time by engaging in it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We need to have more discussions about this.
Standing ovation. I remain on FB and IG largely due to writing, but also because I retired from teaching high school in a small town, and I love watching my kiddos grow up (some are in their early 40s now). But all the other stuff... I100% agree.
I have friends and family on Facebook, which I would lose all contact with if I left. My husband has terminal cancer and we live a very isolated life, except for medical appointments. I also use Messenger to keep in contact with my kids and my sister and brother. On Facebook, I try to post something funny each day. Sometimes pictures of flowers or my crafts. Sometimes Bible verses or encouragements. And updates about my husband or me. I have unpopular opinions, so I try to keep that at a minimum, at least on my page. I do participate in support groups for my husband's cancer (myelofibrosis) and a few hobby groups.
I do have a substack account, but I don't use my real name. Also, I haven't set it up. If I were ever to finish my novel, I would publish it under a pen name anyway.
I understand your reluctance to continue to engage with Facebook and other social media platforms. I just have Facebook and messenger on my phone. On my little laptop, I have Threads (Twitter substitute), Substack, and WordPress. I refuse to put those apps on my phone. I use my little Chromebook to interact with those platforms.
Yes, if you are isolated and going through a difficult time, Facebook can be really helpful. My current inclination is to stop using social media for author-related stuff (my FB page) but keep my personal profile with an even smaller friend list (only real people who really know me, who are real-life friends I actually interact with). I like seeing Facebook memories of goofy things my son said when he was little, and I do use FB marketplace and a few groups.
Hi Erin,
You captured how I've been feeling for a long time as well. I've been in limbo about my author website and about social media because I used to be a blogger way back when, but now it seems people use social media to post short "blog" posts. I miss blogging and reading other people's writing. I have not investigated Substack, but I follow you there as well as a few other writers. Maybe I'll investigate that further as I'm preparing my first book for release and working on my second. Thank you for a thought-provoking article. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Shannon Anderson
It's constant battle to moderate my use of social media. Moderation is hard. When my menopausal body started loathing alcohol, instead of moderating , I just stopped drinking. No more wasting energy on should I drink or how much or am I drinking enough water? Even when I block social media, which I do a lot, the shadow of it still lingers, waiting to pull me back in. I deeply envy Ann Patchett and how she doesn't use social media at all and doesn't watch TV. I can't even imagine the huge swaths of free time I would have without those 2 things and what I could do with that time!
Yes, the "time suck" aspect of social media is huge. In our household, we have specific times we watch an episode of a show as a family, and good TV and movies are actually a big part of our lives and I feel no negative feelings toward it. We haven't had cable for decades. Social media is harder to moderate, because it's always there in your pocket. Getting older and losing family members too young has made it feel more urgent not to waste time on our phones. We're never going to be making real connections with the people we love on social media. And we're certainly not making any good memories when we're on Facebook or Instagram.
Erin, I am not sure where I found your first book, but I have been a fan ever since. Thank you for the work you put into writing very interesting novels. The first time I joined Facebook, I did not stay with it for very long. Being bombarded with “friend requests” from high school classmates/schoolmates who did not even give me a second look back in the day…well, I just didn’t need to waste my time so I deleted my account. I rejoined a few years later in order to be part of a crafting group that interested me. I do not use Instagram, and have only one Facebook friend. Those I follow on Facebook are part of a very short list. I consider myself a dinosaur when it comes to social media. When I do get sidetracked by those random posts deemed “interesting” for me by Facebook, I only end up annoying myself over the wasted time. I enjoy your posts because I enjoy your books, yet in whatever way you keep your readers informed about your next book release, when and where to pre-order, and where I might attend a book signing, I am sure it will be sufficient. Just be sure to keep us informed, please. Now, go kick back, relax, and enjoy that scenery that surrounds you!
Yep! Even if I actually leave social media for good, anyone who follows me here or subscribes to get this in their inbox will know what's going on and what's coming up!
I've been very tempted to dropkick all my social media, but that seems anathema for an indie author. I don't have much of a following (yet) on Substack or my newsletter, and I get dribs and drabs of engagement from the writing community on Instagram and Threads. Facebook is completely worthless. I'll probably try to build my subscribers for another year or two, then delete the rest.
Hi Erin,
Just finished reading what you wrote and I applaud your decision. I (and I’m betting all your readers) will read your books even if I don’t know you moved or went on vacation or got a new dog; all of this is really none of my business! You write books I can’t wait to get my hands on and I am grateful for that. I don’t need the “dog and pony show” and I would rather have you working on your next book instead of stressing about what to share with the world. I wish you all the best.
:)
I primarily use social media to see what my children, grandchildren, and other family members are doing. I also post on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkin, to promote my writing. Other than that, I don't spend a lot of time on social media. What I do spend way too much time on is newsfeeds to stay up on what is happening in country and world. Maybe I need a sabbatical from that!
Erin, What an amazing, honest post! I'm a MI gal, class of 1989- VLHS Saginaw- I've been a librarian since I started as a student worker back in 1991- Reference Librarian now. I've worked both academic and public, currently public- so for over 30 years I have seen the difference with the internet- I was trained old school, card catalog, reader's guide to periodic literature (remember those green bound books? nice color? ) I actually went to internet training as a librarian starting out-they sent us to Sandusky, MI ( a whole group of us) I remember leaving that meeting thinks, Oh, this internet business is simply strange- Now it is my whole job- reference is basically internet based. I agree with you on F.B. I do not have an account-nor will not. I had one briefly for 3 months, about 15 years ago, and then had them disable it. I care enough about people to actually call, visit, text, send a card, instead of hiding behind a screen. I really like all the points you have made here, valid, and to the point. Kudos to your husband and his new phone. Excellent choice. When I'm not at work, I limit tech time/etc. (My husband has a business f.b. I use on occasion if needed, to check something for a business/or when my kids were in college, the f.b. page for parents at their college/helpful) I'll continue to support you, keep in touch in whatever way you choose ( carrier pigeon, perhaps?) I wish you all the best on your possible sabbatical , writing career etc! I was hoping to have you come to the library where I work this year, but our library did not get the Michigan Notable Author in 2024.
Also, I enjoy the paintings I purchased from you, beautiful! We recently purchased a 1931 (restored home) in the country in Marquette and your paintings will be perfect there too! I'll keep on reading your books and promoting you here- All on the best on your future!
Don't worry. If I do shut it all down, this publication will continue and will be how I keep readers informed about what's coming!