4 Tips to Stop Your Facebook Addiction4

It is without a doubt that Facebook has become one of the most addicting sites in 2010 and will remain there in 2011. Because of this site, most of us have lost productivity checking notifications, writing on people’s walls, tagging pictures, and playing mind-numbing games like Farmville, Mafia Wars, Restaurant City, and Tetris Battle.

Sure it’s a great way to keep in touch, but sometimes we’ve all been up at 1AM creeping a friend’s photo album from 2008. I probably spend at least an hour on Facebook alone, so I’ve decided to cut that time substantially.

For those of you who are looking to do the same, read some of my tips below.

1. Install Leechblock (Firefox) or StayFocused (Google Chrome)

Leeckblock and Stayfocused are browser addons that limit the time you spend on any sites you provide. You simply install the addon, set a time limit (ex. 15 minutes for every hour), and after you’ve reached the time limit, they will step in and block you from viewing the site any further.

The addons are flexible as they allows you to set which days they are activated (good for us students who want to block Facebook during the week). I have personally used Leechblock for some time and it’s great for when I have to study. I haven’t tested StayFocused yet as I don’t use Chrome that much.

Leechblock – Firefox
StayFocused – Chrome

2. Delete Facebook Phone Applications & Turn off Facebook Mobile

Even if Leechblock or Stayfocused is still installed on your computer, you can still access Facebook on your Mobile phone. Stop cheating and delete the application from your phone and go play outside (or do something else =P). This includes disconnecting yourself from Facebook Mobile so you stop getting Text Message notifications.

3. Post Less Content

We’ve all done this before, uploading 200 pictures of that super awesome party you guys had last night and watching notifications pour in the next morning. You get all warm and fuzzy inside as you scroll through the 99 notifications of Likes and comments like “COOL PIC BRO” and “MAN THAT WAS SUCH A GOOD NIGHT”.

At the end of the day, you shared some good memories, but guarantee you will keep checking back daily to see if anyone has commented on your content. Notifications are like drugs, stop being addicted to them and you will find yourself spending less time on the site. If there is less activity on your account, usually you won’t be checking back as often for any updates.

4. Deactivate/Delete your Account

I guess this one is obvious, if you absolutely can’t stop yourself from going on Facebook, PLEASE deactivate/delete your account and go seek help from an addiction center (kidding). Get your friend to change your password for a few hours/days/months/years as an alternative.

Little by Little

It’s kind of sad to refer to Facebook as “addicting” and having to cut the addiction of Facebook. Nonetheless, spending less time on Facebook and more time doing other things will benefit in the long run :) Implementing these tricks will hopefully give you less of a reason to go on Facebook.

If you have any additional tips, I would love if you shared them below in the comments section.

Good Luck!