Since I decided to stop checking Facebook every morning by disabling the app from my Android phone, which means that the icon isn’t visible in the app list anymore, I started looking for a substitute habit right after waking up.
And I found the comfort of being connected to the outside world again—at least concerning events/activities outside our home—from watching the morning local news streaming live online.
This time, I don’t feel like I am in a social bubble anymore; instead, I feel more connected to what’s happening around me, like territorial disputes between the Philippines and China.
It’s interesting to read the latest news from both sides:
- Philippine activists sail towards reef at heart of maritime dispute with China
- Manila recklessly pushing envelope on disputes: China Daily editorial
Had I not changed my daily routine, I wouldn’t have been able to learn more about current events like this one from Facebook alone (because like I wrote here, I’m mostly served with animal videos).
What’s even more interesting is that watching the news brings back childhood memories of when my grandparents left the TV blaring with the morning news in the background as they hurried with their routine and farm-related activities.
Disconnecting from Facebook daily freed me up my time to do things I truly care about, such as setting aside time for daily devotions with my husband and reading a book.
I might miss the casual set of animal videos the algorithm serves me, but nothing is more rewarding than being in control of my activities and time.
I never thought how deeply tethered I was to mindless scrolling until I snapped out of it (again and again and again). Being virtually seen, acknowledged, and praised makes publicizing so tempting. But being seen by people who deeply care about you and your whereabouts makes sharing an idea or a life update worthwhile and more personal.
First comes awareness, then taking action.
So I left. Now I’m free.
jessa 