Hello! It’s been ages since I’ve posted. Almost all of my online activity for the past three months (basically since Inauguration Day here) has been on Facebook, with the daily news and the incredible political situation consuming my thoughts. The collapse of democracy here – like the height of the COVID pandemic – has made it hard to focus on a book, and made posting about books and reading feel like fiddling while Rome burns.
Checking Facebook on my phone constantly at first helped me keep up hope and stay up to date with what outrage(s) to call my Congressional representatives about. Over the weeks and months, though, it became more of an addiction. I couldn’t stop scrolling – reading through hundreds of comments on new memes; liking memes I’d seen multiple times and reading the comments on those; fact-checking posts and comments from both sides of the divide; finding out where and when local protests were happening; sharing and posting about the latest executive order or unconstitutional action, myself. Knowing all the while that the Meta algorithms were sucking me in, and using up my time to little purpose.
Today, however, I started a one-week Meta boycott, and here I am!
I’ll keep up with current events on Substack and maybe Bluesky, and see if I can go back on Facebook less obsessively after kicking the habit for a week. Still using FiveCalls app on my lunch hours to call my Congressional representatives at least twice a week on various issues, including libraries.
If you live in the US, and want to advocate for libraries on the federal level, here’s how:
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments and/or share your blog link! (If you can’t see where to comment, try clicking/tapping on the title of this post to open it in full.)
Currently Reading
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
A book about a book set in postwar Spain, this lyrical novel is steeped in magic, mystery, and a deep love of literature.
My Unveiling by Tracy Baker
Trouble Ahead by Bill Fleming
Currently Listening To
In Too Deep by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Reacher fans old and new will be perfectly satisfied by the familiar bone-crunching and world-saving in this fast-paced series. The series is in good hands. —Publishers Weekly
This post is linked up to It’s Monday, What Are You Reading, hosted by The Book Date. It’s Monday! What Are You Reading is a place to meet up and share what you have been and are currently reading each week. Visit the link-up for more books to add to your groaning TBR pile.
It is easy to get caught up in all the current events. I try not to as I don’t think it is good for my mental wellbeing. Good luck with your Meta ban!
Shadow of the Wind is a book I loved when I read it years ago. It holds a special place in my heart!
Have a great week!
The Shadow of the Wind is a re-read for me, an old favorite of mine, too. I’m trying to balance my mental well-being with standing up for what I believe is right. Do what you can when you can! Even making one phone call one time gets your voice counted.
Scrolling through events happening around us, stirring up my rage as I read things I find, interfered with other things I would love to do…but I can’t seem to stop.
A Meta Boycott sounds like a plan!
Enjoy your week and your reading.
Yes I am trying to keep my nose out of the news but it is hard! good luck
cheers
sherry
Ha I live in New Zealand and got caught up in the scrolling /commenting etc. I tried in Lent to give up anything to do with USA president, improved a bit only!! I like that you are being active with your local congress office. The Lee Child book and the others hopefully take you away from all the posturing.
Laurie!! I’ve been worried about you. I wondered if it was your health, and I guess it was, in a way – your mental health. I have tried to find a balance between staying informed and staying sane! I really don’t use the internet for news, so I think that helps. I catch the Today show and local news in the morning and read the newspaper cover-to-cover on the weekends. It’s frustrating and horrifying and sad, but I know that many of the executive actions are being challenged in court, and I know that takes a long time, so I am trying not to get too upset while we wait to see how things shake out. Good for you for being so active and involved – but not if it puts your mental health in danger.
Anyway, books! I was hoping you might go to Booktopia this year – I hope you are able to come next year! It was another great event last weekend.
The Shadow of the Wind is great! And the Jack Reacher series is my husband’s favorite. I hope you can continue to enjoy reading and find the right balance in your life. Glad to have you back 🙂
Sue
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com
I am glad to see you posting here. I’ve been staying away from FB as much as I can…it just upsets me. I’ve been trying to focus on doing things that make things better, even if they are just small things. Good luck to you!
I really liked The Shadow of the Wind. I really limit myself to news these days, giving myself only enough to know what (outrageous) things are going on and being informed. I can’t go down the rabbit hole of depression.
A Meta boycott is a really good idea, I definitely could benefit from one of those as IG is where I do most of my doomscrolling. And even though I don’t live in the US, the news also sucks me in most days. The Shadow of the Wind is one i’ve been wanting to read for a while, I hope you’re enjoying it. I Hope you have a lovely week and that spending less time on Meta helps you spend time on things you want to do 🙂
Here’s what I’m currently reading:
https://darkshelfofwonders.com/its-monday-lets-catch-up-%e2%94%823/
I’ve been locked out of my facebook for a few weeks (and counting, given their abysmal to non-existent customer support) and I’m starting to think that’s a good thing (lol).