Could deleting facebook get me a social life?

LegacyUser

A big problem in my life at the minute is the fact that i'm a loser when it comes to having friends and social interactions in general. I only get good at talking with a few drinks on me. I'm trying to figure out how to get more friends and get better at talking. Which brings me to facebook. I have like 300+ friends on Facebook, but in reality I could call 6 of them at most "actual friends" and of them 6, 3 are travelling and 2 are in relationships so i'd only see one regularly. I go on facebook a lot but I feel lately like it's a waste of time. My opinion that it's not even that "social" at all - the odd message here and there is no substitute for real interaction. Liking things isn't interacting. I'm 23 years young so i'm at the age where FB and the likes are fairly popular among my peers. But I've been flirting with the idea of just getting rid. Anyone think this could benefit me socially in any way? Such as giving more incentive to actually go out and talk to people or go to meetups and such?

The_Conductor

Deleting facebook isn't going to make you friends- it will however broaden your horizons, and hopefully give you the impetus to get out and do something worthwhile (other than natter with vague acquaintances online). The number of people who have the confidence to standup and talk to people- is actually a lot smaller than you imagine- most of us have to make an effort, it doesn't come naturally to all of us. As a starter- get some more hobbies- perhaps join a club or a society who specialise in things you're genuinely interested in- its a damn good way of meeting people who you have something in common with, which is always a good foundation to start on.

fits

I actually organise and end up going to events organised through facebook. And not just to the pub either. I went for a hike on Saturday with a group I found through facebook. So you can give it up if you feel its a waste of time. Or prune the friends list and actually join some groups that have outings and stuff, i.e. use it as a tool. Facebook is not a substitute for a social life but its a great aid to one, for me anyway. (yes I still spend too much time on it etc..)

LegacyUser

Best way to make friends is to interact with people who share similar interests to you.

Facebook can facilitate meet ups etc but you need to get out and meet these people.

What interests do you have and are there any groups you could meet up with?

I had one friend in my early 20s.. ... 20 years later I'd always recommend the above. Through travelling, sports and engaging with people who have similar interests to me, I have a wide circle of friends.

Some are good old friends (the same guy I was friends with 20 years ago) and some are people I've met within the last year.

Facebook can facilitate casual communication with new friends and I'd advise you to keep your account open for this reason.

Also, I think that Irish people have an obsession with making new "great" friends..... my newer friends are generally foreign who see friendship as something a bit more casual. So we might meet for a coffee every few weeks or meet up to go walking at the weekends.

Best of luck and remember, there are lots of people out there to befriend.

listen_lady

Your story reminded me of an article I read a while back.

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/the-oversharing-society-1.1503680

superman28

I recently deleted my FB account,, well actually I wanted to take a break from it as a little test,, as I felt I was checking it too often... It was supposed to be for a few days,, and then that turned into a few weeks..

Guess what,, I got on with my life and only hang out and speak to mates I have in my phone.. people I can actually interact with... I'd recommend everyone to take a break from FB,, it turns out you can focus on getting back to your life.. a way better website is meetup.com,, where you can actually meet real people who have similar interests,, its really great.. You gotta make an effort,, but yes I think getting rid of FB is a good thing.. it got to a point where I was ''liking'' pictures of peoples lunch,, when I said,, this is sad... I'm getting outta here..

So get out there in the real world and meet people..

whirlpool

If deleting Facebook will force you to seek physical interaction with other people, then yes it will work at widening your social circle and improving your social live.