I have deleted my account on Facebook for a variety of reasons. It was not an easy decision, but one I do not regret. Here is a little history:
- Facebook was launched on October 28, 2003, under the name Facemash.
- Then it was relaunched as The Facebook on February 4, 2004.
- It was founded by Mark Zuckerman and his friends at Harvard University.
- Initially intended for only Harvard students.
- In September 2006, it was open to everyone with an email and to those at least 13 years old.
- The original purpose was to help college students connect with one another.
- Today it has 2.5 billion users.
The disadvantages or cons of FB:
- Some people are addicted to it.
- Others are on FB during their work schedules.
- An easy target for viruses
- High incidence of identity theft
- It can lead to antisocial behavior
- Can put a strain on a relationship
The number of scams, bullying, stalking, and harassment is frightening. Once a photo, statement, or threat is posted, it is there forever. Too often, the lives of young people have been damaged or driven to suicide.
My small voice will not change the FB mania and its control worldwide. I may well lose contact with potential followers of this blog, readers of my books, or happenings with family and friends.
I plan to stay in touch with family and friends through emails, this blog, and phone calls. Safer, friendlier, and no risk of identity theft.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
I totally understand. Sometimes I’m tempted to leave. I’m rarely on it these days, and when I do it’s to keep up with friends who live in other places or for some groups and pages I visit.
Social media “can” be a good thing, but it can also be destructive.
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There are more concerns than positives about social media. It is scary.
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And as of October, Karen, FB has access to all of your photos and can use them. I posted a “do not use my photos or any other information” on my FB page, and it has disappeared! Beware.
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Thanks for sharing that information, Dara. Everyone should know this and other things about FB.
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I totally understand, Karen.
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Jan, once I made the decision it was easy and it felt good. FB did not make the process easy.
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I totally understand, Karen. I left my professional Facebook account some time ago and now only have a personal account — which I rarely use. My 4 adult kids have not used Facebook for years — for all of the reasons you articulate. What a crazy world we live in. ❤️
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Thank you for sharing, Gwen. It feels good.
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😊
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Bravo Karen! Bravo!
Stan
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Thank you.
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