Facebook and the Introvert

Over the years, I have seen many people post about how they're tired of Facebook and are thinking about deactivating their account.  I have read other people's posts about how they feel that technology, and social media sites like Facebook, are causing people to become less connected to each other and the world around them. I know there was even one time when I considered leaving Facebook but I was never able to bring myself to do it.

Yesterday I came to an interesting realization.  While I understand the points these people are making, it became clear to me that Facebook actually helps me get through a maybe otherwise awkward (for me) encounter with people that I may run into on my friends list.  

I'm definitely an introvert, although I think I disguise it well.  People sometimes mistake me for being kind of shy, but that's not always the case.  What people don't know is that when I have to make small talk (especially, but not limited to) people I don't know well, I'm panicking inside. I have TONS of anxiety and try really, really hard not to show it on the outside.  Here's a little secret...I definitely prefer small groups to larger ones.  But, even in small groups, I often disappear for small periods of time to regroup.  Maybe that's weird, but it's definitely something I deal with often and it helps me get through social situations.

Facebook has made these encounters much, much easier for me.  Being able to see what people are up to, what interests they have, and what their daily lives are like make seeing them much more pleasant for me.  It gives me a springboard for conversation and helps me to keep it going forward.  I am honestly genuinely interested in people and their lives, and having a social media site that gives me information makes my encounters much less anxiety ridden.  It also helps me to feel much more connected to people, whether I see them on a daily basis or not.  I have run into people around town and I can immediately pull information from my memory about something they posted...and it actually helps to build my confidence when talking to them.

I'm also not a huge phone person.  Actually...I'm not a phone person at all.  (I've previously talked about my phone phobia).  So, sites like Facebook help me to feel like I am still connected.  I would have lost contact with a LOT of people that I genuinely care about if it weren't for Facebook.  I am hugely grateful for that connection.  Even thought I'm an introvert, I do still long for connection with people.  Being an introvert doesn't mean that I like feeling lonely.

So, if you are one of those people who wants to ditch the social media scene, please do whatever makes you happy.  If I start sweating bullets, stumble on my words, and seem seriously awkward the next time you see me....well, now you know why.  Be kind.  =)