Detoxing from Facebook = Increased Creativity

[thevaliantx]

I too know people that are HOOKED on Facebook. The absolutely MUST hear all the drama, and BE the drama. A girl I went to high school with met me on there couldn't keep her butt off there long enough for me to tell her that it was ruining her relationship with her boyfriend, that it was keeping all of her precious time away from her kids, that it was turning her into an imbecile.

I even had a FB account, but it did not take me long to realize the game of "FB Friends" is a shallow one. Just about everyone who ignored me when we were in high school, suddenly wanted to become my "friend", and then pretend that they were just DYING to get me to come to the 20 year high school reunion (it would have been my first one to attend). Another girl I dated in high school has since become extremely obese and instead of using her energy to exercise and eat right, she wasted her time soaking up "You go, girl, you LOOK GREAT!!!" (posting a pic of her in the 400 LB range after she'd lost less than 3-4 LBS. She wanted a pit party, and for her high school mates to "pray" for her recovery.

I had enough, and came to the conclusion that my life had not really changed for the better after those first few FB comments.

[candacendiaye]

Originally Posted by Art_Rabbit

At least that is my experience. Your mileage may vary. But I'd enjoy hearing from anyone who's tried it and if you also felt freer and more creative.

...time-wasting ... boundaries ... I'm savoring the uptick in energy, creativity, and freedom from drama. Lovin' it!

I used to be really active on FB; now I make sure I post on my art page when I have something big to share, a show, sales, etc. I also post when I'm working on something or have just finished a piece. All that fun stuff.

On my personal page, though, I find myself getting in the mood to check in with my friends etc every couple of days (my friends are literally spread all over the planet, so there are alot of people I don't get to see or speak to regularly). I used to be on FB every day, at least twice, but as you mentioned, the politics and drama -- while entertaining -- is definitely draining. I finally ended up removing the people that were nothing but drama (who really needs that in their life, right?) and limiting my time on FB and other social media to an average of 30 minutes a day MAX (across all social media) has really helped. And like I said, I check in now once every couple of days, and I'm good. If someone needs me, they can always message me directly or email or something, ya know?

I also take periodic social media breaks for a week or two here and there, and just let people know to email me if they have questions about my work or really need me. I find that helps to give me the break I need.

[ArtWench]

Interesting. FB helps keep me connected when it would be too easy for me to disappear into my work. And, I have a creative support group there off whom I can bounce crazy ideas...

[Artista:)]

I think it all depends how you use it. Sure you need to get plenty time to make art then leave social media for later, use it as a tool but a distraction.
I like getting feedback from my friends about my work and yes I also get commissions through it.
My advice, limit the time on it to the minimal and go to your studio!