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[Skyn3t]

Let's start that social media are a cancer, anxiety booster and a total waste of time. Of course it's my personal opinion, but from what I've read, I'm not the only that thinks that way. I had Facebook and Twitter for some time, regreting 95% time spent on both. You can say they're great as news aggregators, but they ain't - you don't get news, you get adds and marketing stuff in the form of news. Tons of worthless, time consuming content including memes and shit. You could argue that they are great to keep in touch with friends and family (mainly Facebook) and... it's true when you only use messenger without Facebook account. But for what reason when you can just use WhatsApp or whatever else instead of spying Facebook app (yeah, I know that Facebook bought WhatsApp). And don't even get me with the stuff people share/argue about - you could easily forget that they have working brains. This plus the roles of always happy, succesfull and fulfilled human beings they take on social media. Fake world of fake people.

So I deleted Facebook and Twitter a year ago and never looked back. Feels great.

 

[TrainedRage]

This is the closest thing to social media I use. Feels good.

 

[TheShadowLord]

you don't use reddit?

 

[TrainedRage]

you don't use reddit?

Red what?

 

[bati]

I never jumped on the Facebook bandwagon for a simple reason - I prefer not to know every single thought of people I interact with on daily or weekly basis, it makes it easier to maintain the illusion that not everyone you meet is a complete moron.

 

[Queso de Grande]

I killed my social media recently and I feel so much better. I swear that shit is truly harmful to your mind.

 

[Skyn3t]

you don't use reddit?

Used it for a while. Tons of trash to dig through before you find sth worthy of your attention.

 

[Kadayi]

I try and keep my social media to a minimum as a general principle. Certain stuff I'm obligated to keep tabs on, but I rarely if ever post.

 

[Shai-Tan]

I do still use twitter but I cut back to following mostly academics in philosophy, political science, economics, etc. Even though the articles I get linked are good I did notice in May when I used no social media that I read 8 books whereas this month I'm struggling again to finish one. I'm going to try to get my follows under 100 and only check once or twice a day because I could be reading a book instead in idle moments (or even catching up on the 5+ years of tv shows I am behind on)

 

[manfestival]

Video games are a waste of time too.
I use social media a lot for work purposes and for contact purposes. I have been traveling a lot as of late. Facebook and Instagram really help a lot. Plus Facebook is the best way to be lazy and get local events.

 

[Skyn3t]

From time to time I consider following some gaming stuff on Twitter, but in the same moement I realize that even with less than 100 sources doesn't mean quality material. Like you get PR bullcrap from all the franchise account and devs post political nonsense or what are they currently eating. GAF keeps me well informed, as I don't need nor wish to know everything about every fucking game out there.

 

[jadedm17]

It's hard to follow OP when you just come here to rant but I get your line of thought at least; Also relevant I need to see Eight Grade by Bo Burnham that tackles the toxicity of social media.

Video games are a waste of time too.o
I use social media a lot for work purposes and for contact purposes. I have been traveling a lot as of late. Facebook and Instagram really help a lot. Plus Facebook is the best way to be lazy and get local events.

Says who? Neopets helped teach me to budget finances, or how to buy low and sell high... Smash Bros taught me hand-eye coordination, shooters taught me to think quick and critically, Pokemon taught me more than I can list. Right now Toads Treasure Tracker is keeping my mind active and working far more than rants on Facebook.

So no, you're just wrong.

Also anything you enjoy that doesn't hurt others is never a "waste of time".

 

[Fbh]

I still have my Facebook account, It's pretty good to see what some friends and acquaintances are up to.

But I've cut my friends list down to 30 people and I only enter like once a week

 

[Shai-Tan]

From time to time I consider following some gaming stuff on Twitter, but in the same moement I realize that even with less than 100 sources doesn't mean quality material. Like you get PR bullcrap from all the franchise account and devs post political nonsense or what are they currently eating. GAF keeps me well informed, as I don't need nor wish to know everything about every fucking game out there.

I do feel a bit lost on what games are out there these days but browsing GAF etc too much cut into time I would actually be playing games. Granted there are some games that do the same thing. I'm on and off addicted to collectible card games since 2012 displacing some variety in the games I play.

 

[manfestival]

Says who? Neopets helped teach me to budget finances, or how to buy low and sell high... Smash Bros taught me hand-eye coordination, shooters taught me to think quick and critically, Pokemon taught me more than I can list. Right now Toads Treasure Tracker is keeping my mind active and working far more than rants on Facebook.

So no, you're just wrong.

Also anything you enjoy that doesn't hurt others is never a "waste of time".

You are basically saying my point but from a different angle. Let people waste time however they want. Chill man.
We had the same end message until you tried to call me wrong lol. My ultimate point is to let people live their life. Then you went off a cliff with that last line. That seriously makes no sense, sounds like trying to take some arbitrary high ground.

 

[Skyn3t]

Browsing GAF a waste of time? Wouldn't say that. Many opinions are well rounded, lenghty and insightful. Some real quality discussion out here, unlike Facebook and Twitter.

As for game releases, I think GAF some kind of release calendar to give you the idea what games are coming each month. Just an idea EviLore .

Or you can use http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/release-date/coming-soon/all/date

 

[Spheyr]

Forums are social media

 

[TTOOLL]

Did it with Facebook more than a year ago. Thinking about doing the same with Twitter and Instagram. I use Reddit too but I just read stuff and have zero interaction, I don't even look at usernames...

 

[Skyn3t]

Forums are social media

I'd rather call them discussion platforms without your neighbour shoving his kids photos up your throat etc.

 

[Catphish]

I haven't deleted my Facebook account, mainly because it's the only way some people I know can get a hold of me, but I made a conscious effort to take a break from it, and that break has been cruising along now for several months. I check in like once a week (or two (or three)) to get/respond to any important notifications but, other than that, I'm done with it. I agree with you, OP. It's a fucking void, filled with vapid, inane nonsense that never succeeded in improving my life in any considerable fashion. All the political insanity of the last two years just sealed the deal. No more facebook.

I don't use the other stuff, Twitter, etc...

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

I never "got into" social media after my AOL instant messenger and MySpace phase.

But I also grew up glued to IRC channels, online MMOs, and forums similar to NeoGAF. I already experienced the brain-rot of spending too much time online with people who don't actually care about your wellbeing. When social media became a thing I just shrugged and avoided it.

Glad that people are waking up to the damaging effects of social media, but this was hardly a difficult realization for anyone who grew up with the internet. Good for you, I guess.

 

[Drake]

I call facebook, bragbook. Because that's all it is. I deleted my Facebook back in 2012, I think it was and I've never looked back. I do have a twitter account, but I never post on it. I just use it to follow hockey news and a few other people.

 

[JimmyRustler]

Deleted my Facebook and Instagram beginning of this year. Never looked back. The only thing this accomplishes is to make you feel bad because everybody is, like you said, bragging even though they are mostly miserable just like the next person. What a joke.

I went a bit further and even stopped watching or reading news aside from gaming for the large part. What a bliss life is when you don't have news constantly telling you how shitty the world is.

Only thing I read is GAF and an other forum but even that I cut down quite a lot and don't regret it a bit. People are just way to negative all the fucking time.

 

[Grinchy]

I've never had a Myspace, Facebook, or anything else. My friends and family used to all tell me that it was crazy, but in the last 3-5 years, I've heard more and more people telling me they wish they could get off social media or had never started using it to begin with like me. Some have actually given it up completely.

I have a friend who has "quit" Facebook 5 times now, but always goes back to it. At some point, he starts sending me screen captures of twitter or facebook arguments he gets into thinking I'll just tell him how right he is and how dumb they are. Instead, I just always ask him what the point was of arguing with this stranger online when neither of them is ever going to change their mind. He is so addicted. He can't even watch movies because that's too much time to go without checking social media. He avoids movie theaters because he knows he'll look like a douche staring at his phone 5 times.

 

[Berserking Guts]

Thinking of doing the same thing.

 

[I'm new be nice]

I have been in a bit of a slump recently, if I stay focused I should be fine in the long run, but I did notice visiting Facebook was having a detrimental effect on my mental state, so I chose to remove it from my phone and bookmarks.

I have noticed I feel much more focused on myself again and have been able to strive more effectively towards my goals without the constant feeling that I'm supposed to be comparing myself to everyone else.

And honestly, from my understanding that's kind of part of maturity, being able to understand that you are subject to random forces, and that as time goes on the idea that you can compare yourself to others gets more and more difficult, because the circumstances each of us is faced with change so dramatically that the comparisons just aren't even fair anymore.

It seems much more effective to compare yourself from where you are today from where you were yesterday, and I just can't seem to do that when I have Facebook around in my mind.

I accept that I'm just a weak individual who can't handle that level of information, and I think accepting that and just in general culling the information I'm exposed to has helped me emotionally. Relaying that mental effort towards books and other pursuits just seems like a better use of my energy at this point in my life.

It has its utility for getting in contact with various people, so I don't see why I should delete it entirely, but I've come to accept I can't handle that level of information anymore, and I'm happier for it.

 

[Barsinister]

I used to be able to say that I don't post much here. I cannot say it anymore in good faith. I like to read and interact with you all here, I am finding. Actually writing words that others can read and like and respond to is a good feeling. I can understand how it could become addictive.

I don't have any other places I visit, other than a board game website. But I only go there to learn about new games. I don't post on it, but I did join.

I hope all of you will keep a healthy balance between the computer and the rest of the things life has to offer.

 

[Deleted member 713885]

I have a Facebook and an Instagram

I only post pics on IG that share on to Facebook. I never write status updates.

I photos cause I go to a lot of concerts, my dogs are awesome, and in general..my life is pretty cool.

Why do I keep Facebook tho? I guess for a couple reasons..

Mostly Drama!
Man, I love watching some shit go down lol
I grew up white trash in Jersey. I give my wall a scroll and feast on some drama when it pops up lol

Best comedy around!

 

[GoldenEye98]

Deleted Facebook about 3 years ago and it's unlikely I will ever go back.

 

[I'm new be nice]

I used to be able to say that I don't post much here. I cannot say it anymore in good faith. I like to read and interact with you all here, I am finding. Actually writing words that others can read and like and respond to is a good feeling. I can understand how it could become addictive.

I don't have any other places I visit, other than a board game website. But I only go there to learn about new games. I don't post on it, but I did join.

I hope all of you will keep a healthy balance between the computer and the rest of the things life has to offer.

There is some seriously good utility to being able to put your thoughts out there and have them be critiqued, but even with this place I've come to learn that sometimes it's better to just step away from the screen if I feel like I can't handle something. Usually if I give myself some time away I'll be able to come back to it with a new headspace and it won't be a problem, but the idea that I need to respond now now now, all of that immediacy, I just don't think it's any good. And it certainly was never like that when I interacted with people before the internet was a thing.

It's all kind of crazy imo, and I don't see how it gives you any time to reflect or think.

 

[Barsinister]

There is some seriously good utility to being able to put your thoughts out there and have them be critiqued, but even with this place I've come to learn that sometimes it's better to just step away from the screen if I feel like I can't handle something. Usually if I give myself some time away I'll be able to come back to it with a new headspace and it won't be a problem, but the idea that I need to respond now now now, all of that immediacy, I just don't think it's any good. And it certainly was never like that when I interacted with people before the internet was a thing.

It's all kind of crazy imo, and I don't see how it gives you any time to reflect or think.

My job is solitary. I don't interact much with people. Depending on where I am at, I might only get to talk to two or three people. I like this time when I am home to have some new thoughts to consider.

 

[Gander]

There is some seriously good utility to being able to put your thoughts out there and have them be critiqued, but even with this place I've come to learn that sometimes it's better to just step away from the screen if I feel like I can't handle something. Usually if I give myself some time away I'll be able to come back to it with a new headspace and it won't be a problem, but the idea that I need to respond now now now, all of that immediacy, I just don't think it's any good. And it certainly was never like that when I interacted with people before the internet was a thing.

It's all kind of crazy imo, and I don't see how it gives you any time to reflect or think.

I guess you have to pick your battles. I'm definitely done with Facebook but LinkedIn leads to job opportunities and Twitter gives me news first.

 

[I'm new be nice]

I guess you have to pick your battles. I'm definitely done with Facebook but LinkedIn leads to job opportunities and Twitter gives me news first.

Yeah like I said there's definitely utility.

Personally I never made the jump to Twitter, I've always stuck to RSS. The only time I used Twitter was when I could get the feed into my RSS reader, but once Twitter killed that weird work-around I didn't bother.

 

[Gander]

Yeah like I said there's definitely utility.

Personally I never made the jump to Twitter, I've always stuck to RSS. The only time I used Twitter was when I could get the feed into my RSS reader, but once Twitter killed that weird work-around I didn't bother.

I like it because it's given me the opportunity to talk with some of my favorite celebs.

 

[EverydayBeast]

You’re lucky! A lot of people have their accounts for business and have no option but to constantly be glued to their social media accounts. I just shut everything off on the weekend and holidays no matter what.

 

[Virex]

About 5 years ago I deleted my Facebook and it was the greatest feeling ever and somehow I felt freed and no longer depressed and just started enjoying life. I don't have any social media anymore and Neogaf and a few other forum are the closest to "social media".

Facebook, twitter, instagram etc, gives the illusion of a perfect life and pictures and posts etc. can easily make someone's life seems like a dream but just out of frame they are having issues and problems. Social media does more harm than good and I personally think it social media contributes significantly to the deteriation of modern human society. The sooner sites like Facebook and the lot disappear the better for the mankind

 

[Vicetrailia]

I have instagram, snapchat, twitter, and linkedin and dont have the issues that you guys do. Overuse is a thing.

 

[Azurro]

Let's start that social media are a cancer, anxiety booster and a total waste of time. Of course it's my personal opinion, but from what I've read, I'm not the only that thinks that way. I had Facebook and Twitter for some time, regreting 95% time spent on both. You can say they're great as news aggregators, but they ain't - you don't get news, you get adds and marketing stuff in the form of news. Tons of worthless, time consuming content including memes and shit. You could argue that they are great to keep in touch with friends and family (mainly Facebook) and... it's true when you only use messenger without Facebook account. But for what reason when you can just use WhatsApp or whatever else instead of spying Facebook app (yeah, I know that Facebook bought WhatsApp). And don't even get me with the stuff people share/argue about - you could easily forget that they have working brains. This plus the roles of always happy, succesfull and fulfilled human beings they take on social media. Fake world of fake people.

So I deleted Facebook and Twitter a year ago and never looked back. Feels great.

You must not have a social life or live in a city where nothing really happens. Facebook really helps to keep track of all of those events a lot, there are tons where I live: Bachata nights, rooftop parties, meetups.

It would be tough to know of those without social media.

 

[Schrödinger's cat]

Whilst I love internet drama and memes, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram etc never grabbed me. I think I'm just antisocial.
From the glimpses I see of it social media just isn't worth it - and I do worry about how ubiquitous with toxicity it has become these days - and that so much of civilisation is plugged into it.

 

[llien]

Dropped from FB several month ago (after cambridge analitca scandal) still active on whatsapp though, owned by Zuckerberg, the irony.
Discovered duckduckgo.com as alternative to google. (visit google like 3-5 times a week, most of the time in vain as neither it brings me results I look for)

you don't use reddit?

I don't consider it to be "social" as it's not the place where you see real life friends or post personal pics.

 

[WinterIsComing]

I have a Facebook and a Twitter account. Haven't posted on FB for more than 5 years though, so it's almost the same as not having it. Still browse it occasionally though. I'm more active on Twitter, but mostly on niche stuff.

 

[strange headache]

The problem with social media is the very skewed view of the world that they create. Since most people want to show off their best side, it promotes the impression that everybody is living in utter and complete paradise. I think that this has a very nefarious effect on people's notion of justice, that seems to be mostly driven by social jealousy and materialistic envy nowadays.

 

[Dontero]

You can only stomach so much children, cats and old memes.

We are social creatures but in order to be interesting we need to build up our own experiences. By definition this process is exclusion of everyone else. If everyone knows everything about each other then there is no point to talk about anything.

 

[Skyn3t]

Azurro

Uhm, I spend my time with my girlfriend and our son, gaming, watching Netflix/HBO and stuff. Sorry dude, but I'm not from US and in my high school years we didn't do that either (Bachta sth, rooftop parties), just drank with friends in public spaces, played video games and had a blast.

 

[Azurro]

Azurro

Uhm, I spend my time with my girlfriend and our son, gaming, watching Netflix/HBO and stuff. Sorry dude, but I'm not from US and in my high school years we didn't do that either (Bachta sth, rooftop parties), just drank with friends in public spaces, played video games and had a blast.

Hi, not from the US either. But, just reading the post, it's kind of easy to let go of a good tool if you have no need for it. It seems you don't have a social life, so it's easy to say everyone is stupid for using it.

For example, just looking at my feed there's 3 events this weekend I can show up to. It'd be impossible to organize that only through WhatsApp. And there are the concerts and such in addition to those.

 

[Skyn3t]

Social life? You mean meeting some random people at events/parties? Yeah, never had that, nor want to.

 

[Azurro]

Social life? You mean meeting some random people at events/parties? Yeah, never had that, nor want to.

Ah, so you are an anti social person who is screaming at and feeling superior than others for using a tool that helps with social activities.

I mean, more power to you if all you ever do is stay home and sit on your couch watching Netflix, but let the people that enjoy doing activities and being social be social.

 

[Skyn3t]

I wouldn't say that interacting with my family and friends make me anti-social. Or maybe it does. Don't care.

 

[Azurro]

I wouldn't say that interacting with my family and friends make me anti-social. Or maybe it does. Don't care.

It definitely seems you don't have a social life. Which is fine, I'm not knocking that, you do you. But then you jump from that to feeling superior to others and call them stupid, that's what I'm drawing attention to.

I mean, couch potato person with no social life calls social media useless. Well, duh. You were able to drop everything because there was nothing for you to drop.

 

[Skyn3t]

Cauch potato, lol. So what is this enigmatic social life? Being a party beast or enjoying meaningless interactions with as many random people you can fill the room with?