A Day Without Facebook

Wendell Berry is an author and essayist who formerly taught English at the University of Kentucky. In his essay, "Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer" he explains his reasons for his resistance in purchasing this increasingly popular piece of technology. His reasons were as followed:

1. He does not want to become dependent on computers
2. Computers don't bring society closer to his personal values
3. Computers are expensive and will eventually have to be replaced with a newer model for a higher price
4. Computers do not improve writing

I was surprised at how much I identify wiht Berry's beliefs; I also choose to write everything by hand and do not want to become too dependent on technology in order to be productive. My personal perspective on technology is that a piece of technology does not improve the quality of work, it just makes it easier. I believe the effectiveness of a written piece comes from the writer, not the medium the writer chose to use.

Facebook is a digital social networking website that allows users to post pictures, statuses, comments, and chat with friends online. Being a college student, I am constantly fighting the urge to log on this website and spend hours mindlessly wasting time. I often am using the Internet to complete school assignments. The temptation is especially strong because I am using the same medium to log on as I am using to complete school assignments. It is so easy to simply log on while also typing a paper in another window. With this week being finals week, this is the technology I chose to give up for a day for this assignment.

Giving up Facebook for a day allowed me to see how much time I actually waste logging on. I admit I was appalled how dependent I am on Facebook for entertainment. I was first tempted to log on right after I woke up and got ready in the morning. My usual morning routine includes waking up, getting ready, and logging on to Facebook while eating breakfast. After breakfast, I decided to work on a paper. Each time I experienced some form of writer's block I was tempted to check my Facebook. I was astonished at how many times I would usually check the site while also trying to complete an assignmen. As I expected, I was able to complete this paper in a shorter time than I would have been able to had I allowed myself to log on. I also must admit that I was much more impressed with my writing than I usually am.

The day without Facebook not only increased my productivity but it also improved th quality of my work. Without having Facebook as a distraction I was able to focus more on what I needed to accomplish. I must admit I was excited and releaved to be able to log on the next day. However, I realize now that my quality of work improves dramatically when I eliminate the Facebook as a distraction.