8 Reasons to Ditch Facebook in 2014 ...

By Peyton

Too many of us are way too addicted to social media, especially to Facebook. Guest contributor Peyton shares her tips on why you should dial back on your addiction.

If you made a New Year's resolution about anything related to self-worth, productivity, or getting over a recent break up, you may have thought about closing your Facebook account once and for all. We've all been there. One day you're flying high and can't wait to brag about your recent accomplishment and the next you're on the floor crying to your BFF because your ex changed his status to "in a relationship."

Facebook can be a great tool for reconnecting and sharing, but it's also a tool for humiliation, heartbreak, and intense annoyance. Here are the 8 best reasons you should consider ditching this social media platform in 2014

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1

Bad Behavior

If you've ever shared a political opinion, stalked your best friend's teacher's girlfriend, or been hung up on why you don't have abs like your closest frenemy, you know the weird disadvantages of Facebook. Facebook encourages bad behavior. It's that simple. Wasting your valuable time arguing, bullying, blocking, and stalking are all childish behaviors that you should re-evaluate in 2014.

2

The Ads

Facebook ads are only going to get worse. Autoplay Facebook ads were recently introduced in December 2013, "sponsored posts" appear in your Newsfeed more often than you'd like, and the sidebar ads are getting eerily specific to your interests. Plus, you and your friends are encouraged to "like" products and share your support. Who cares if you "like" Taco Bell? Get out now before Facebook turns into one big marketing medium.

3

The Facebook Engagement Posts

If you're in your 20s, there's a strong possibility of you logging into Facebook only to see that four more of your "friends" are engaged. Every. Day. Or, maybe it just seems like it. Sure, they may be as cute as a famous TV couple, but even a classic Ross-and-Rachel romance gets old if it's thrown in your face 24/7. Save yourself the feigned excitement and let your real friends inform you of their plans to wed the old fashioned way.

4

The Shameful Party Photos

Everyone loves sharing photos. But what about those embarrassing shots of your college tailgating days or videos of you busting your vodka-fueled moves at the club? Once they're online, they stay there for good. If you're not on Facebook, these photos can still be shared, but are much less likely to tarnish your reputation if you can't be tagged in them. Use apps like Instagram, and invite only your close family and friends, to share photos instead.

5

The Competition

Facebook promotes competition. The number of friends you have, the number of likes on statuses and photos, and the "winning" or "losing" of a breakup. This type of competition is unhealthy and fosters negative thoughts about our self-worth. Comparing yourself to others will never be a good thing. The best thing to do is be the greatest version of yourself and compete with the old you to see self-improvement in 2014. No amount of Facebook popularity can compare to that.

Famous Quotes

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Niccolò Machiavelli
6

The Big Brother, Little Sister, and Second Cousin Are Watching

Your family is on Facebook now, too. Your Great Aunt Rita is posting photos of her cats, your Grandma is sharing her favorite bible verses, and your Dad is commenting on your statuses. Something about that added judgment on Facebook is starting to really make it uncool. Do yourself a favor and enjoy your personal life without your family watching your every move.

7

The Hashtags

Facebook was a little late to the party with their newly implemented system of hastagging. Hashtags are great for searching and promoting, but they're hardly necessary or effective for Facebook. If you really love your hashtags, use Twitter for newsworthy and viral material or check out Instagram for extensive hashtagging on photos.

8

The Lack of Privacy

Facebook really limits your privacy. From getting private messages from strangers to late night chat messages from "friends" you met at the bar, privacy is something Facebook doesn't do well. Add this annoyance to the questionable recent news of Facebook sharing your private information and you should have plenty of reasoning to quit using it altogether.

Whether you use social media for work or for play, you can surely find better sites than Facebook. Going forward, in 2014, commit to going Facebook-free (at least temporarily) for the sake of your sanity, safety, and personal development.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I deactivated my account in January & so glad that I did! I don't even think about it.

Facebook is a great utility and way to connect with others around you and find information you might want on the go on your mobile phone ... If you don't like your behavior, work on your mindset. The medium isn't the problem it sounds like the content is the issue and your reaction to it. Try to make new friends or change the settings of whose posts you follow so you can keep up with those who mean the most to you. Also, there is an ability with every post to control who sees what you share... Maybe you should learn how to have some social media discretion and use it for enhancing your life rather than enabling self destructive thoughts.

Got rid of it months ago... To think of how much time I used to waste on it is shocking

I think setting healthy limits for yourself is better than ditching it entirely. If you need help curbing your FB addiction, try making a list if your favorite blogs, news sources, YouTube channels, list sites, etc and go through those instead. You'll be more well-rounded and informed!

Delete family and coworker friends and then your good to go. Over two years I have deleted at least 1000 so called friends! I can scroll up and down my FB and I know everybody! I think I have less than 200 friends.

Is it not like any other types of social media like Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc? I'm sure you can do all of whats on the list on those websites as well.

I couldn't stand another "happy happy grinning pic of falseness" I don't care what my best friends are for dinner let alone anyone else . Too many opinions.. Glad I ditched FB !!

tht is the reason...i m not liking it too much...& there is no new thing...same thing on fb..

Almost ditch it..

Soooooooo glad I never had one!!!

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