Facebook. Is. Addictive.

So many silly groups on Facebook about being addicted to Facebook.

But how many people actually ARE addicted? I was checking it basically every hour, spending hours on the computer - and about 4-5 hours daily just on Facebook.

Which is ridiculous...

I am addicted. Really.

So I took control of it as best I could, got my friend to change my password and email associated with the account - and told her I wasn't allowed in for a few weeks.

So I get back on today.

83 NOTIFICATIONS! 12 messages! 40 things I'm supposed to check out!

This is in about 2 weeks.

Crazy. But I'm seriously addicted and wishing there was a way to get rid of it, but it's so needed when you've got friends everywhere and most 20-somethings use it to organize stuff. It quite literally organizes my life.

Which totally sucks since I go through withdrawal without being able to access my email, let alone Facebook.

I wish people wouldn't joke about being addicted, because unfortunately some people DO have an addictive personality. And are really addicted. And hating it.

My friend was realizing it was ruining and cheapening his real-life relationships with people... "Facebook stalking" them instead of actually talking to them. I wish I could quit FB but I'd be giving up all of the social networking I actually DO there.

But how does one find a healthy balance? Set a time limit, no matter what?

I don't know.

I'm surprised I'm the only one addicted to Facebook.

I kind of understand, if you have loads of applications and talk to friends on there or have a lot of friends who you want to see what's going on with on there.

I go on there a few times a day, but only for a couple of minutes each time. I don't add many applications, infact I think I have like 2 in total. So when I go on there, there isn't much to look at.

Hi Christina,
yes you can get addicted to facebook and just being on the computer too much. It's great that you're aware of it and got your friend to change the password for you. I think time limits are good too. If you find you're letting things go in order to be on the computer - then you could make yourself a deal and not go on until you've done all you're supposed to do.
In a way it's kind of sad, the way these social networking sites are replacing good old fashioned socializing in person or calling on the phone.
By the way, congratulations on becoming admisnistrator - is this an actual paying job and how does a person become a moderator or administrator. I also like your sparkly avator and wonder how and where you got it. Take care.

Thanks Anna Is it sad that I hadn't even thought of removing some of the applications... that's a great idea

My problem is that I'm really good at procrastinating, even if I know I have to do things. Thanks Lynn. All positions on site are volunteer. You PM someone like me or another mod/admin and say you're interested, and we keep you in mind when we're looking to bring up more people. I got my signature from the website listed there: http://www.sparklee.com

I LOVE facebook!

I totally ignore all of the notifications. It's just TOO MUCH. I just read and reply to the posts on the main page, check for incoming messages and reply to those and update my status. I might do a quiz or two while I'm on because they are fun

I think if I did all of the notification stuff it would take me 458395793845 hours to get through stuff every time I get on there.

Maybe you can decide to participate in the parts of facebook that are the most important to you and ignore the rest??

(((((((((((((((((((((Christina))))))))))))))))))))))) I hope you find something that works for you.

Christina, I hardly go there anymore. I just don't like it. It's the lack of interaction that gripes me. I know it's not the same for you because at least you get quite a few comments.

From my perspective, it's a very self-centered group of people there, generally speaking. I guess that's what blogging is all about, though; about "ME". Even two of my boys are like that. One never responds to my comments and the other bit my head off almost right off the bat. The only one that interacts with me is my DIL, Chrissy. Shoot! I can talk to her on the phone or see her any time I want!

The only other person that sorta interacted with me was one of hubby's cousins whom I only met once! LOL

'Splain to me how it organizes your life, wouldja? I dont need FB's reminders of my family and friend's birthdays. LOL

LOL! Most of the 20-somethings crowd makes "Facebook events" which are reminders on Facebook about real-life happenings - and for a lot of my volunteering and huge religious friends circle - this is how you get the word out about events and stuff.

I also seriously need reminders about birthdays because otherwise I'd likely forget most people's.

It is true about the social interaction thing... most people I talk to on there, I could easily see in my real life - and a lot of them I actually DO see on a regular basis... but it's easier to organize events and RSVPs on Facebook then by email...

I admit I spend most of the time on blogging quizzes/surveys and on pointless applications though.

me and my wife joined about a week ago...and shes hooked....its pretty confusing

Facebook is certainly addictive and i pretty much must spend up to 11 to 12 hours aday on that site alone out of about 14 hours ! i just cant keep off the damn site when im online

I'm not as addicted with facebook as I am with Myspace. I'm totally addicted with Mobsters! I catch myself spending close to an hour collecting friends and adding my ID on the train list.

I can't say I'm addicted to Facebook, although I used to care about the applications way too much. Now I only visit it once a week or something for 5 mins or less. However, over the past two weeks I've spent several hours or more each day on PC. Now this site is addicting, especially when you are so depressed you don't leave your house, you can't concentrate long enough to read a book or to watch more than 1/2 an hour of TV. PC wins my prize. ahahah

I played Mobsters last summer and checked in many times a day. Eventually lost interest after I hit the 100th level and had 500 mobsters. Thank goodness I did too because I was spending crazy time on there.

Facebook, for me, is not so much addictive as it is upsetting. I have all of these friends and yet, I feel so isolated. Only 1-2 people on there know my struggles and that sucks.

I love seeing them do well but at the same time, it is depressing for me to see nearly 300 people happily laughing with their families and our mutual friends as they galavant through Europe or even just Florida... ha. I have a hard time not thinking that I'm a loser while looking at their pages.

I'm trying to avoid FB now but it's difficult when everyone expects you to check in and that's their main way of communicating.

I'm with you on that one. Last winter I spent all my free time on PC, the only place I felt at home. Now that things are going a bit better, I'm addicted to FB. And yes, I do mean addicted. Wonder what winter will bring.

fb is one of the sights i am addicted to...it has all my family members and friends on it. I did get triggered once when my cousin mentioned my childhood abusive home...he only saw the good stuff...that sent a ripple through my family as did my recent attempt. But in both cases, some stuff came out that could not be denied and needed to be delt with. I even joined a mi group and told everyone to read about my illness because i would no longer feel ashamed, fearful, and most of all, i will not be silent. I wrote them this note with an invitation to join me in the group called "bipolar and proud". I checked the pending member list and wouldn't you know it, at least 8 joined in support of me...it made my week. Love, nf

Psychcentral is my 'new facebook.' I actually found it because I had decided to quit facebook and to stop myself from going back I tried to look for other sites.. I've completely abandoned facebook since last Monday after keeping a low profile and being less active for maybe a month or so, but now I come here everyday instead!

ugh!! IT IS ADDICTIVE!!!!!!!!

I don`t know what to do!

omg i so agree with this statement.

I removed all of the applications and games fro my FaceBook account because I was addicted to it. Still addicted to FaceBook, but I think that's because my girlfriend and I are long distance and she sends me messages trough there through out the day.

Still, removing those Farmville and other games was was one of the best things I've ever done.

Good luck with limiting your FB time. I think it's a cool site, but it's good not to be on it all the time. I'm trying too.

Well I think there are worst addictions to have, I think maybe people like it so much because you can be what you want to be with people without having to be there, Or be face to face with someone...lol You can put up a funny quote, Or picture, share a song, I think it helps really. If you enjoy it, Do it! We have very little pleasures in life as it is.

I feel your pain. I actually de-activated my account this summer, misery loves company and everyone was just too happy for my taste. I'll probably go back on this fall, but it's not as fun now that hardly anyone does the quizzes and the 5 picks anymore.

I got off fb last fall, just deleted all friends that were game-only related and not real friends or relatives (went from like 700 friends to current 65ish) but the problem I have now is I only visit the site once or twice a month and there's lots of "record keeping" and long lost friends, etc. I have to get in touch with and start conversations and give my "real" email to, etc. and then I get all involved again so when I finish, after a few hours, I inevitably leave people hanging because they don't reply for a day or two but I won't be back for awhile.

I enjoy narrowing my friends down to those that really and truly matter, perhaps you could use it less for networking and more for genuine contact

I find Myspace and Facebook addicting, But I only go on it for maybe a hour every 2 days. Myspace has all my friends on it ^_^ and I had to make another Facebook since my last one got deleted

I absolutely hate Facebook because I am so dang addicted. Especially with Cafe World. Gahh.