After reading the Wall Street Journal’s five-part series about Facebook, I have decided to permanently delete my FB account. The headlines from the two articles that cemented my decision are: Facebook Knows Instagram Is Toxic for Many Teen Girls, Company Documents Show and Facebook Employees Flag Drug Cartels and Human Traffickers. The Company’s Response Is Weak, Documents Show.
And, since I was my sister Kelly’s legacy contact, her account will also be removed. Please know that I didn’t come to this decision lightly, but I truly believe she would agree with my conclusion. However, her website Quilting Cancer is still active, and you can read her writings there, reliving her courage, optimism, and amazing perseverance. You can also purchase her book Quilting Cancer through Amazon (all proceeds go to charity).
She left us five years ago on October 8, 2016 and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. For many of us, she was truly a guiding light, someone who always listened, emanating empathy and patience, despite her own challenges. And I hope, as we approach this five-year anniversary, that her memory clings to all who knew her, making us better people because of her influence and reminding us, that no matter what life throws us, we can conduct ourselves with dignity, graciousness, kindness, and fearlessness.
Erin Fanning 
Erin. I certainly understand, and do agree with your reasoning. I could easily do the same, but I like having someplace to post my nature photos.
You do have me thinking, though.
Sandy
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will miss seeing your photos–it is definitely one of the positive aspects of Facebook! Best of luck with all your projects and have a wonderful autumn!
LikeLike
I agree with you. Iam just now learning of your sister Kelly’s death and send my condolences to you and your family. I remember your mother and father fondly as they were special friends of ours. PLease say hello to your mother for me . WITH AFFECTION Katie Kilcullen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Katie! And it is so good to hear from you. Please send me an email (mail@erinfanning.com), and I can give you my mother’s phone number/address/email. Take care!
LikeLike
I’ve been struggling with this for a year. I have little social interaction with it anymore but link my blog posts to it, and I go there for local storm information. But I’m just about to give up too. I am so sorry to hear about your sister, and I’m glad she’s still with you in spirit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ellen! It was truly a difficult decision, but I’m hoping that I will find myself reaching out to the people I care about in person and through phone calls. And thank you for your kind words about my sister. She is indeed with me in spirit. Take care and happy fall!
LikeLike
Hi Erin, I just wrote about this on my Email Connect Newsletter. I’ve backed off a lot on FB, but haven’t completely pulled the cord. I think that’s in my future, but like you, I’m giving it serious consideration.
Have you heard about the connection between teens developing tics after long-term watching of TicToc? Here’s a link to an article that set my teeth on edge. I hope parents are aware of this. https://www.checkupnewsroom.com/tiktok–tics–rise-in-movement-disorder-documented-on-social-media/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Scary, indeed! Thanks for sharing the link. The cure, I think, is to get more kids reading instead of spending time on social media. And, with that said, I’m looking very forward to your new book, Shattered! Take care and enjoy the fall!
LikeLiked by 1 person