The World Without FaceBook

Oh dear, how can he possibly say such a thing? A world without facebook? That's ridiculous!

I often wonder what would happen to the college community if for some reason facebook was shut down. When I pose this question to my friends, their reaction goes something like this:

"It would suck because I use it to communicate with members of my organization."
"I would hate not talking to my friends!"
"OMG don't say such a thing!"
"I would literally go insane!"
"I would die!"
"I would rather not talk to people in person than not have facebook."
"I would rather gnaw my arm off than not have facebook."

Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. But really? Has a website become the staple of everyday life for so many people? And how? Granted I am as guilty as the next person for being on it continuously, but I like to think that I could live without it.

So what would happen? My first thought would be that the world would suddenly become more productive. Then I realized that would never happen. No matter what we students have a knack of finding something else to do besides what we should be doing (for instance, I'm writing this blog instead of my paper). So if not facebook, then what? Well without facebook, texting would skyrocket. Of course, every conversation for the first week or so would be, "I don't know what to do anymore!"

After a week or two of pitchforks and torches, the world would subdue. I remember when the Dining Hall got rid of trays. I never would have thought that something so small would piss so many people off. The argument was that by not using trays they would not use so much water, and people would not waste so much food. Facebook groups were started, and angry comments were made. After about two weeks, everyone forgot there were trays to begin with.

When the facebookers calm down, maybe it will be the start of a new, better chapter in their lives. Maybe they will go outside and enjoy the beautiful day with friends, instead of just saying "what a beautiful day" on their status while staying inside on their computer. Maybe they will watch the news. Not The Daily Show or The Colbert Report but actual news that isn't completely biased (of course all news stations have agendas). Or maybe they will read the newspapers, or even read more in general. Not about vampires named Edward or wizards named Harry, but thought provoking works. Hell, maybe they'll read my blog.

Of course, if facebook is shut down, another site will be created with newer and better features, and people will return to their old habits. Statuses will read, "I'm so glad the Dark Age is over." Blogs will be forgotten and sunny days will be spent inside. Work will be procrastinated.

But what if we each spent just a little less time on facebook, and spent that time reading a novel? Or doing charity work? Or calling our parents? What if we each reviewed our politicians and went out and voted? What if we spent a little less time on facebook? Of course none of what I say will hold any weight to the masses. I have to wonder, though... what if Obama said it?

-Beast