My large, extended family and many of my friends are all on Facebook, keeping update to date during COVID. Sharing baby photos and other life events, starting businesses as they lose their jobs, sharing grief and support as my uncle nears his end.
But sure, let's continue to victim shame and blame here.
Maybe I’m just not as social as others, but when I stopped using Facebook I never really missed those things. If some life change happens for someone I’m not talking to regularly via other means anyway, not learning about it on Facebook doesn’t really impact me. And, for people I do talk to regularly, I hear about it the next time we connect on a call, text, or in person. I actually end up with more to talk about because I haven’t passively consumed information about them.
When my grandmother passed due to COVID, my family called and texted each other and offered support in plenty of ways outside of Facebook, despite most of them being heavy users.
Everyone’s situation is going to be different, but it may be be as impactful as you think to drop Facebook. It’s addictive to read about people’s updates all day but it may not actually add much to your life and you may find the connections you have with people instead more meaningful as I have.
m.facebook.com works just fine, as does the good old browser on the computer. No need to install their spyware on your phone.
I'll admit I use messenger because some people will try to contact me there, and it's necessary to be able to respond quickly if you're using Marketplace, but the main app? No way.
But sure, let's continue to victim shame and blame here.