Facebook has become one of the most popular social networking platforms on the internet, with over 1.86 billion monthly active users as of the first quarter of 2017. However, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t use Facebook. Here are 10 of them:
1. Facebook is a privacy nightmare.
Facebook has been repeatedly criticized for its lack of privacy. In 2010, it was revealed that Facebook had been sharing users’ personal information with advertisers without their consent. In 2014, a study found that Facebook was the least trusted major tech company when it came to privacy. In 2015, it was revealed that Facebook had been manipulating users’ news feeds to manipulate their emotions.
2. Facebook is a hotbed of drama.
Because Facebook is a platform where people can share their thoughts and feelings with their friends, it can often be a hotbed of drama. From arguments between friends to people oversharing about their personal lives, there’s a lot of potential for drama on Facebook.
3. Facebook can be addictive.
A lot of people find themselves spending hours upon hours on Facebook, even when they don’t mean to. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your news feed or constantly checking for new notifications, you may be addicted to Facebook. This addiction can lead to problems in your personal life, such as neglecting your partner or children.
4. Facebook can make you envy other people.
Because Facebook is a platform where people can share the highlights of their life, it’s easy to compare your life to others’ and feel like you’re falling behind. This envy can lead to feelings of depression and low self-esteem.
5. Facebook can be a time waster.
You may find yourself wasting hours on Facebook when you could be doing something more productive. If you find yourself procrastinating by scrolling through Facebook, it may be time to take a break from the site.
6. Facebook can make you less productive.
Not only can Facebook be a time waster, but it can also make you less productive in general. A study from the University of Michigan found that Facebook use leads to a decrease in task performance.
7. Facebook can be bad for your mental health.
A study from the University of Pittsburg found that Facebook use is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. Another study found that people who use Facebook more than they should are more likely to suffer from social comparison anxiety.
8. Facebook can make you think you’re popular.
Because Facebook allows you to see how many “likes” and “shares” your posts get, it’s easy to think that you’re more popular than you actually are. This can lead to problems in your real-life relationships, as you may start to think that your online friends are more important than the people you see in person.
9. Facebook can make you think you know people better than you do.
Because Facebook allows you to see what people are posting about their lives, you may start to think that you know them better than you actually do. This can lead to disappointment when you realize that the person you thought you knew so well is actually quite different in real life.
10. Facebook can be a distraction from your real life.
If you find yourself spending more time on Facebook than you do interacting with people in real life, it may be time to take a break from the site. Facebook can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it should never replace real-life interactions.
