Avoiding Social Media

As a Technical Writer, I am acquainted with the misconceptions that text-based conversations cause. It is often frowned upon to write a sarcastic piece because sarcasm, often recognized in verbal conversation by tone of voice, is not accurately read.

Because of the misconceptions following text-based conversations, I have found it to be much easier to avoid social media websites such as Facebook and MySpace. Though I currently do not subscribe to either of the aforementioned social media sites, I do admit that I once was a ritualistic participator. I checked my Facebook every five minutes and updated my status about twice as often. I admit that I was addicted to Facebook. When I realized how often I was on Facebook, checking and posting, I made the decision to eliminate my personal connection. It was a difficult decision because Facebook is the most common form of communication for many people today.

On the same hand, I do still check my husband's Facebook. While this may seem to be a contradiction, I am still not on Facebook nearly as often. I rarely post status updates; I only post pre-approved by my husband pictures; and, I comment on few status updates. I still read and glance at pictures; however, Facebook no longer holds the appeal it once had.

As a Technical Writer, I have considered creating a LinkedIn profile. I draw my hands from the keyboard at the idea because I would admittedly obsess over perfecting my profile. I would have to update my picture every time I change physically; I would obsessively edit any and all profile wording; and finally, I would want to check for new messages everyday. Such stress is a type that I do not currently need to wrap myself in. I am a perfectionist. I edit, edit, edit. After all, perfection is the game of a Technical Writer. Not to mention the fact that, as a Student Online Developer, I am constantly working on projects that require my obsessive attention. No job goes unfinished without at least two or three re-checks.

Therefore, my long answer for not re-entering the world of social media: obsession. My decision to avoid social media is the same as my decision to avoid the game The Sims, the site Pinterest, or the ever famous Facebook games. I do not want to waste time obsessing. I also avoid social media because text-based conversations are far too convoluted them to be 100% stress-free environments. I simply want to look at pictures and read about the lives of those I call family and friends.

Sincerely,
Stephani