Could you go a day without Facebook? What about Twitter? Email? Texting? Could you stay away from any and all forms of social media or electronic communication for just one day? (And yes, we're talking cell phones, too.)
Well, you'll soon have your chance to try. August 25th is the first National Facebook Fast day, started by a Texas pastor and his wife. Through their church in Houston, Texas, they say they have inspired at least 20,000 people to refrain from Facebook, Twitter, texting and email to, instead, spend time getting up close and personal with real life friends and family.
Related: Are Virtual Friends Better Than 'Real Life' Friends? How Many of Us Are Bonding Online
Instead of texting your husband to say you love him, say it to his face. Instead of checking out pictures of your cousin's new man in her photo album, invite the two of them out for drinks so you can meet him in person.
The promoters of the Facebook Fast insist they're not trying to bash technology, but instead help people get back to the basics when it comes to connecting with friends and family. "We are challenging everyone to take one day and set it aside and be intentional about the relationships in your life", says their website.
We asked our Twitter and Facebook friends if they could survive a day without social media and what they'd do instead.
"Definitely," says Kyat. "There are so many other things that can be done throughout the day. Plus, I get a bonus, 'cause school would have started by then, so that is less kids to have to deal with."
And Gail from San Diego agrees. "Absolutely could go 24 hrs without media/texting....It's easy...surf, eat, meditate, yoga, read a book and sleep."
While Terri, on the other hand, says her Facebook detox would take place in the kitchen. "What would I do instead of checking Facebook? Eat."
Evidently, for some people, unplugging from social media means a chance to pursue some decidedly unsocial, solitary pursuits. But the promoters of the Facebook Fast are hoping for something a little different...and offer these suggestions instead.
- Write a handwritten letter or card and mailing it.
- Meet up with a friend for a face-to-face conversation over coffee.
- Make a visit to someone in a local hospital.
- Try an act of kindness like visiting a neighbor you've never met to get acquainted, take a meal to a shut-in, or take some homemade cookies to your local fire or police station.
- Plan a family dinner night without the TV on and all other electronic communication devices on.
So will you take a social media holiday on August 25th? And, if so, what do you plan to do with that time away from technology?
Oh and just FYI? If you want to know more about the Facebook Fast, you can visit---you guessed it--the official Fast Facebook page.
More from GALTime
$49 for $330 Dental Cleaning
