TV Free? Facebook free?

The past year has been an experiment in not watching television. After visiting London and watching British television, I decided I had enough of commercial American television. For the past 12 months, I was television free. You know what I discovered? I wasn't any happier, I didn't have more time, and I wasn't more productive at work. Surprised?

I know I was. 

Then, I realized my television viewing was replaced by a variety of newer media - Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. I didn't need television. If something interesting was going on in the world a Facebook friend posted it for all to see. If it was a really newsworthy event a diatribe of comments would appear on his or her page underneath the post. It was that simple.

I'm not sure what the next 12 months will hold for my media consumption. I am watching more television than I did, but its not the same. Now, I seek out specific programs. I don't mindlessly surf channels looking for something to entertain me like I once did. My mindless channel surfing may have been replaced by mindless Facebook surfing. When I'm bored, I read Facebook posts. If something really interests me or I agree, I'll like the post (is this what we mean by interactive media?).

In the end, I'm not so sure surfing FB is any better (or worse) than surfing the channels.

Maybe this year I'll "take down" (I think this is a really funny way to describe this) my Facebook page. Whenever I hear the term "take down" I am reminded of those therapists who work with the mentally ill. My sister (who is a psychologist) described "taking down" a patient. According to her story, it wasn't a pretty sight.

Hmmm.... would "taking down" your FB page be more challenging than going TV free?