Why you should delete your Facebook account

Social media is the real social dilemma — here is why you should think about grabbing a pen and paper instead.

Should you delete Facebook?

Journaling (horrible word) is meant to help with mental health. The premise is that when you record your daily thoughts, it puts things in perspective; it gives you the opportunity to express gratitude; you can learn about yourself and it’s handy if you have to see a shrink because you just refer to your notes. Take this for example.

Wake at first light. It’s a sunny day, summer is coming and … hang on, something has changed. Oh no, for a few seconds I thought everything was normal. I chase that normal moment like a fading dream, snatching at the promise of an ordinary day. Too late. It’s 2020.

Trudge to bathroom. Tell self not to trudge, it’s ageing. Must get a move on, traffic begins early these days. Brush teeth, return to check phone. Must not check phone too early. I am not a cyborg. But it’s a dilemma because I need to check weather. Sure.

Walk towards beach, measuring distances between joggers, walkers, doggies and doggies. Where did everyone get these dogs? Our population is crashing and yet everyone has a pooch. Something in that. A column? A policy paper? Nah, it’ll be a tax.

Check phone before tucking it into beach bag. It’s like I’m kissing it goodbye for 10 minutes. Must watch The Social Dilemma again. There is traffic in the water. I wish they’d just stick to walking their dogs.

QR code into the cafe, follow the crosses, forget to use hand sanitiser. Cup of coffee arrives and I remember about the sanitiser but it’s too late, I’ve already touched my phone. Must not check phone so often. Appreciate the morning. Ah, morning is good. That’s enough. I wonder who’s made a move on Words With Friends.

Start work on computer while sitting on couch. Slouching, more like. Use phone to book a pilates class to tighten up core and iron out slump. It’s OK to use phone for that. Book evening class to defer painful moment. Focus on work with that sanctimonious feeling that I’ve already done the class.

Work. Look out window. Think of millions of workers doing the same thing. Feel gratitude. Or is it procrastination? Ring a friend to check how her work is going. Doesn’t answer. She hasn’t played a Word for a while either. Stop playing Words when you’re supposed to be working.

Start research for story. I didn’t know DJs was having a sale. The things you miss out on. Europe is being smashed by the virus again. Feel gratitude about living in Australia. Put on washing because it’s a sunny day.

Work. Or rather, sit with computer on lap. That won’t generate income. Check bank balance. Plan to pitch for more jobs and a cheap mince for dinner. Friend still hasn’t played a word. Feel pathetic. Maybe it’s social media to blame. Must watch Social Dilemma again. Hate myself.

OK, have done some work. The washing is dry. Feel gratitude. Start getting dinner stuff together. Maybe it’s wine-o’clock time? Oh no, I made a late pilates booking so I would have alcohol-free day and great abs. Briefly think about doing press-ups with glass of wine. Oh, that is so desperate. Hate myself again. Must watch The Social Dilemma. And do push-ups at the same time. Check FB, just to see if I should cancel it. Frankly, friends you could do with a delete button today.

Go to class. Feel so sanctimonious I fetch a gin and tonic (less calories). Call Uber Eats but order extra vegetables. Turn on Netflix to find The Social Dilemma. Something else is trending – My Octopus Teacher. Feel gratitude.

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