And Why I Rarely Post on Facebook

Yes, I know Facebook is considered “important” to many of my friends for marketing both socially and for their business. I respect that. It works, and I don’t know, maybe some day I’ll jump back on there.

I’ve had a Facebook account since 2009. Loved it back then because my very closest friends - no matter where in the world they were - could share with me what was happening in their world.

I vaguely recall that was the original purpose, right?

Well, I still (occasionally) click the option to wish someone a “happy birthday” or “like” something beautiful and/or original, particularly if it makes me laugh.

Even though it’s not that big of a deal to me if someone likes or doesn’t like anything I post, I’m still very aware of the rush I feel when multiple people respond to anything I’m inclined to share on Facebook (including the posts I create for my volunteer non-profit).

Facebook just feels icky to me these days, in spite of that dopamine hit.

Since I’ve always had an inquiring mind, I went to Google and asked:

“Why is Facebook so icky?”

Google’s AI Overview read my mind (and I venture to guess the thoughts of millions of others).

Side note:

BTW I know how AI feels scary, and it is, but that’s the world right now so jump in and swim! But, of course, please be careful and don’t steal anyone’s original thoughts or creations without providing attribution or asking first.

My lovely daughter and myself having an adventure. I really love that blur filter she uses that erases all her momma’s wrinkles.

The thoughts above are my original thoughts.

The content below was generated using Google's Gemini Large Language Model (LLM) by the question I asked:

“Why is Facebook Icky?”

“Facebook feels "icky" due to its cluttered, confusing interface, overwhelming ads/suggested content (especially AI/Reels), privacy concerns (creepy tracking), constant algorithm changes burying friends' posts, and an influx of low-quality, fake, or rage-bait content, making it feel less like a personal connection tool and more like an ad-filled, buggy, manipulative "omni-app". 

User Experience & Interface

  • Overly Complex: The app is crammed with features, layers, and settings, making navigation confusing and cumbersome.

  • Inconsistent Design: It feels like different products stitched together (Messenger as a separate app, complex business tools) rather than a cohesive platform, notes Reddit user.

  • Bugs & Errors: Users report issues like failing messages, broken notifications, and difficulty managing accounts, according to this Reddit thread and this Facebook post. 

Content & Algorithm Issues

  • Friends Buried: The algorithm prioritizes promoted content, AI-generated posts, and viral videos (Reels) over posts from actual friends and family, say Reddit users and this YouTube video.

  • Low-Quality Content Flood: Feeds are filled with AI-generated "slop," fake news, clickbait, and stolen content that generates engagement but offers little value, according to Reddit users and this Facebook post.

  • No Real Moderation: Users report that blatant abuse and harmful content often remains on the platform, notes this Reddit thread. 

Privacy & Creepiness

  • Over-Tracking: The platform seems to know too much, pushing ads based on conversations or searches, which feels invasive, say users in this Reddit thread. 

Generational & Purpose Shift

  • "For Old People": Younger generations often see it as a platform for older relatives, not for genuine connection, notes this Reddit post.

  • Lost Original Purpose: It's moved from connecting friends to an "entshitified" experience, losing its original value, according to this Reddit post and this Reddit post. 

A Facebook friend, Sandra, and myself
IRL in Cayucos, CA 12/19/25

Sandra is an active Facebook user and an actual, real-life friend.