The Social Media Withdrawal Experiment a Success...Kind of

I attempted this recent Spring Break (March 14th-18th) to completely stay away from Social Media as a trial basis. I was curious if I could keep the Facebook itch in check along with YouTube, Twitter, etc, etc, etc.....

Well, I made it through the Monday through Friday....Kind of...

What I mean is I stayed away from social media, yet I did not stay away from my usual email check, sports news/scores, and all that good stuff. In fact, I think I checked that a little more then usual as a substitute to social media. So there in lies the fact it was a success as I did not Facebook, but still did not shy away from the internet completely. 

Several factors also played into the experiment having several hindrances from being measured completely. I was sick with the stomach bug the first half of the week and also the fact that the week was Spring Break was also a factor. The free time allowed for other activities like lawn work, etc.

Well, at least I can say I accomplished my goal as I let it be known in my Facebook status update....

Honory, Virtue, Integrity....Any of that left?

Have you ever seen the movies or heard the stories, whether fictional or nonfictional based, about knights and moments of chivalrous intention? Often, you hear such dialogue as "live with honor," "die with honor," "you have regained your honor," "hold on to virtue and courage," etc.

We hear such words and phrases about honor, virtue, integrity, chivalry, and others in this category.

The question I'm inquiring is do such moments or attempts in lives of these meanings exist anymore?

I'm not saying someone has to come in and save the day riding on horseback wearing shining armor and all that good stuff. Although, that might be pretty amazing to see. What I'm questioning is do individual people ever try to think about such notions anymore and attempt to live their lives as such?

Do these notions live more with older generations and are they gradually fading, or do they still hopefully exist to continue?

I've questioned this myself as I've seen teenagers and adults at times completely disrespect elders, disrespect peers, disrepect authority, disrepect property, disrespect beliefs, and disrespect their own parents with complete apathy and disdain. The list is continuous.

Now I will give some the slight benefit of the doubt as they were never taught anything slighty resembling virtue. If only bad parents could be punished.

I'm not advocating a return to the medieval era. But I really do hope that men and women will still attempt to live their lives with honor and integrity because, believe me, there will always be younger eyes looking and imitating. Of course no one is perfect and we all stumble, but remember, honor can be regained.

Live with honor.

Give

Do we ever fall into the category of "what can someone do for me?"

Or do we fall into the category of "what can I do for others?"

Simply imagine if you could do something worthwhile for someone else, no matter how small or minuscule your action or words may be.

I believe such decisions are not made enough by people nowadays, myself included. Too many times, we always want what others can do for us, and even take such notions for granted sometimes.

This story (you must read...too good to be paraphrased) is a prime example and inspiration of taking time to help others and simply lighten up their life.

PLEASE READ....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110308/ts_yblog_thelookout/wish-comes-true-for-cancer-stricken-10-year-old-inducted-into-army

The Withdrawal Experiment

I'm curious about something a large population of the world uses on a daily basis and wondering if I have the stamina, willpower, and ability to go without it for a period of time....

No, it isn't food of some sort, television, etc...

It's a little known entity called Facebook....You may have heard of it.

Now I'm not protesting Facebook or trying to deface the global social network in any form whatsoever, like that can actually happen.

I'm just doing a little experiment and trial of my own. The reason is I've fallen into the group of loyal Facebook users where I think I check it on the hour each day. So, I'm just wondering if I can go for some time without it. I've also given the challenge to one of my English Labs I teach on Tuesday night. I informed the students to attempt a period where they do not use Facebook. My instructions were simple. If they can only go 5 minutes without it, and they get the Facebook itch, then by all means sign on. If they can go longer, just as well. I plan to have a critical writing after we return from Spring Break where they respond to this experience. So, I figured I'll try the withdrawal myself.

My goal is to start small. Starting next Monday, March 14th, I will be absent from the Facebook world. If I'm able to go the entire 24 hours, I will attempt to add Tuesday into the time of Facebook withdrawal, and so on. The simple goal is an entire week away from the world of social networking. I'm intrigued to know how much I may be out of the loop of happenings and news in the lives of family and friends in the matter of 24 hours or a whole week.

So, starting Monday, March 14th, in case you really need to get in contact with me, please give me a good ol' fashion phonecall.

Here's to the withdrawal experiment!