Well, I did it.

I deactivated my Facebook account in favor of Steemit.

In the world today, not having a Facebook account is like having a disease, right? I mean, surely you're anti-social or something else must be wrong with you. 

To make a long story short, the decision to deactivate my Facebook account was a quick one. I have been using both Steemit and Facebook for awhile now and I must have been subconsciously comparing my experiences. I've found myself getting more and more frustrated with ads, and "suggested friends" and all the other "features" that Facebook relies on my data for.

In then end, this is what did it - I was watching a video and halfway through - and ad started playing. I decided right then and there to deactivate Facebook and go full Steemit.

The experience itself was a strange one. Facebook, at every turn, tried to make me feel bad for my decision or to turn around and forget that I had decided this.

First it asks me, "Are you sure?". I confirm by entering my password. Then Facebook asks me why I've decided to do this, and let's me know that my friends are going to miss me (along with pictures of my friends and even some specific moments we've shared together). How cruel.

When I decide (again) to pull the trigger on deactivating, I give it a reason - "I get too many notifications, emails, and invites". Again it asks me to confirm with my password. Once I do, surprise! My account has not been deactivated, but I am greeted with a popup telling me I can change my notification settings (with a link to the settings page). Again I have to click that I am sure.

In the end, I can see why it's so hard for people to leave Facebook - because if they do decide to deactivate and are reluctant even a little bit, Facebook will use all kinds of psychological tricks to keep them from actually clicking that button.

But take it from me - it's worth it :)