GORDON LIGHTFOOT | Culture
BLISSFUL IGNORANCE
Cameron Brown, a 31 year old “knowledge worker” based in Petone, deleted his Facebook account in 2021 and has been reaping the benefits ever since.
Brown has been busy with his wife Molly and their one year old son Lochie, going through the regular rhythms of work, dinner, bath and bedtime, followed by a total collapse on the couch each night.
“It’s been good! Best thing ever actually. Exhausting, but it’s worth it. You really appreciate the point at the end of the day when you finally get to switch off and do nothing though,” he said, currently slumped on his couch.
Unbeknownst to Mr Brown, his friend Will from his old hockey team held a lively gathering last weekend, featuring multiple beers and a trip to Courtenay Place. Naturally the invitation to the event only ever existed on Facebook, and Brown did not attend.
“Yeah look I think the best thing about being a dad is finding that extra bit of purpose. It’s a lot easier to get up and get to work each morning, knowing that you’ve got a family that depends on you,” he said, still oblivious that he missed Will’s party, or that there ever was one.
Brown says he hasn’t really missed being on Facebook, and appreciates his more simplified life.
“Facebook? Ohh nah I deleted my account a few years ago,” said Brown, confused about why our reporters were asking the question.
“Although now that you mention it, you do end up losing touch with people, don’t you? Probably just need to remember to text people from time to time right?
“I haven’t actually been to a party in years,” he laughed.
The interview was cut short when Mr Brown came across a new episode of one of the many self improvement podcasts he was subscribed to.
More to come.
Big fan of the Whakataki? Use the form on this page to become a Whakataki backer. You can also follow us on Insta.
