The Double-Edged Sword of Technology: My Relationship with Facebook

Technology today stands as one of humanity’s most transformative achievements. To deny its profound impact would be to overlook the ways it has reshaped our lives. We live in an era where the world feels smaller than ever, with over 200 countries easily represented in the palm of our hands. Knowledge has never been more accessible, allowing us to glimpse the lives of everyday people across the globe in real-time. 

At the forefront of this revolution is social media, with Facebook (now under its parent company META) as a pivotal player.

However, the very architects of these addictive platforms have, in some cases, come out to sound the alarm about their devastating effects, especially on the younger generations. Writing about these issues often attracts criticism, particularly from those profiting handsomely from these tools, but having experienced their grip firsthand, I feel compelled to speak up.

Over the years, I’ve critiqued corporations and their immense influence, including those in what I termed the “trillion-dollar club”, thus, companies like Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, Nvidia, and Apple. These tech giants prioritize profits over mental health, a harsh but undeniable truth. Tim Wu’s book “The Attention Merchants” explores this phenomenon brilliantly, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's still reading books. Awareness isn’t easy to raise when many influencers are backed by these very corporations, so we must find our own ways to survive and seek balance. Addiction to social media is real, and it’s something we must confront head on.

When I graduated secondary school, equivalent to a U.S. high school, Facebook was not yet a household name. I imagined a platform where we could be connected with high school friends, colleagues, and teachers. Years later, after immigrating to the West, Facebook became that reality. Reconnecting with old classmates and teachers was remarkable, a testament to technology bridging gaps across time and geography.

Yet, my relationship with Facebook took an unexpected turn. In 2016, while on clinical duty, I decided to deactivate my account. It was one of the hardest things at the time for me to do. Though I reactivated it weeks later, I resolved to stop posting or engaging altogether. Why? The answer came full circle this week.

A few days ago, I had a conversation with my good friend and brother in Christ, Bro. Joseph Candela. A fellow member of the Knights of Columbus back in the day in Newburgh, texted me a heartfelt birthday wish on January 2nd, as he always does, followed by a call I missed later. His next message urged me to go and check Facebook messages. My birthdays on Facebook used to be joyous occasions back when I was very active on it, with my timeline often flooded with well-wishes. Encouraged, I decided to log back in that evening.

Having forgotten my password, I reset it and entered a world I hadn’t visited in years. What I found was a mix of nostalgia and unease. Within 20 minutes of mindlessly scrolling through updates and memories, I was reminded why I had left. The experience felt like standing in downtown Manhattan on a hectic Monday morning: overwhelming and draining. Scrolling endlessly through updates from people I hadn’t seen or spoken to in years sapped my energy. I called this the "bottomless energy sucking pit."

This wasn’t a new realization for me, though. During my earlier years on Facebook, I loved connecting with friends from back home Ghana, and college. But hours on the platform left me unable to think critically or even engage in productive activities. Studying or reading became impossible. I realized the sinister effects that excessive social media use had on my mind, it left me feeling empty, both physically and spiritually.

Logging off that night, I felt a sense of relief. But I often wonder how today’s students manage, as social media wasn’t as pervasive when I was in school.

Stepping away from Facebook wasn’t easy. The platform brought me immense joy in connecting with others, but the cost to my mental and spiritual well-being was too high. While I miss the interactions, I now prioritize other forms of communication, like email and phone calls, which I allow for deeper, more meaningful connections.

My experience isn’t unique. Many people have reported burnout and fatigue from excessive social media use. Studies show prolonged scrolling can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced focus. These platforms are designed to keep users engaged at the expense of their well-being, prioritizing profit over mental health. Hello!!

It's true technology is fantastic and life changing, and platforms like Facebook have revolutionized connection. But these tools come with challenges. My journey with Facebook has taught me the importance of balance, self-awareness, and prioritizing activities that nourish the mind and soul.

To my friends and acquaintances: though I may not be active on Facebook, I’m still here. I appreciate your thoughts and best wishes all these years. They are not taken for granted. I wish you all the same and in all your endeavors. 

Please do reach out via email or other means if you need me. My best email is lawronald05@aol.com 

You can also find my frequent updates on my blog: www.lawron.blogspot.com

While technology may connect us, true connection often goes beyond likes, screens and clicks.

Please take care of your mind, it might be all you have left at the end of the day.

I remain your observing Pal,

Ronnie Law