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No, I Don’t Regret Unfriending You
by Emma Thompson
Updated: Sep. 14, 2023
Originally Published: Dec. 7, 2017
One thousand one hundred and eighty-one. That’s quite a hefty friend count for someone who identifies as an introvert.
Over my 40+ years on this planet, I’ve been on Facebook for a decade, reconnecting with individuals from various chapters of my life. In the early days of social media, I eagerly added friends—much like collecting trading cards—believing that more was better. Initially, my focus was on quantity rather than quality.
However, as social media has evolved, it has shifted from simply sharing daily updates to a platform for networking, sharing interests, promoting businesses, and catching up on the latest events. Each social media outlet has its strengths and weaknesses, and depending on your usage, you may find it’s time to take things more seriously.
So, no, I’m not regretful about unfriending you.
As someone who typically follows the rules and avoids confrontation, I previously hesitated to remove anyone from my friends list. I spent years cultivating an online presence through products I sold and later as a blogger, so I sought as many connections as possible. If my posts bored you, I figured you’d unfriend me instead of the other way around. But that changed recently.
In our fast-paced world, our attention is pulled in numerous directions, including our social media feeds. Platforms are constantly evolving, introducing new features that tailor the content we see based on our interests. Facebook has added functionalities that facilitate group discussions, allowing users to connect over shared passions—be it parenting, business, or hobbies. Our newsfeeds are now influenced by complex algorithms rather than chronological order, and Instagram has followed suit. This transformation prompted me to streamline my feed and unfollow accounts that no longer resonate with me. And it wasn’t about our friendship; it was about curating my digital space.
Everyone has limited time, and naturally, we want to see the most relevant content when scrolling through our feeds. Maybe you prefer news updates or local stories, while I share moments of my kids’ school adventures, which may not interest you.
It’s not personal.
Yet, perusing my Facebook friend list has become overwhelming. There are individuals from various life stages that I know I’ll likely never encounter again, yet I enjoy staying updated on their lives, no matter how trivial it might seem. It keeps those memories alive—memories I’m not ready to let go of.
On the other hand, some connections evoke feelings I’d rather not confront. Perhaps they are in the same field I once was, and seeing their successes reminds me of my own choices. Their triumphs can feel like a reminder of what I left behind, even though I chose my current path.
So, I’ve decided to unfriend. And I have no regrets about it.
Ten years into this social media journey, it’s perfectly acceptable to refine what we see and who can see us. We’re all navigating this digital landscape together, and it’s fascinating to observe how our online behaviors have transformed. Recently, I bumped into a Facebook friend while grocery shopping. She glanced my way and walked past. If we’re connected online, shouldn’t that translate to real life?
Maybe it’s time to unfriend a few more. For more insights on home insemination, check out this informative resource on pregnancy. And if you’re interested in home insemination kits, visit this blog post for more information. You can also gain more knowledge from this fertility blog, which is a valuable resource on the topic.
Summary:
In the age of social media, it’s crucial to curate our online circles to reflect our current interests and emotional well-being. As we evolve, so should our digital connections, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. Unfriending is a personal choice that can lead to a healthier online experience.