Facebook officials today announced plans to phase out Throwback Thursday photos and posts, saying its users should seek to live in the present and not in the past.
The world’s largest social media Web site is teaming with the Buddhist Society, the Dalai Lama, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and Oprah Winfrey in its effort, which seeks to help reduce stress associated with living in the past and not focusing and being mindful of the present.
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito,” the Dalai Lama said. “If you think you are too big for this world, try standing next to Shaquille O’Neal. If you think you are living too much in the past, try not posting Throwback Thursday photos on Facebook.”
The new policy takes effect in two weeks, and users who post Throwback Thursday photos would go into Facebook timeout for the following weekend. Second offenders face even longer timeouts of up to 30 days depending on the dates of the photos. The older the photo the longer the timeout.
Facebook defines a Throwback photo, traditionally posted on Thursdays, as any picture taken over three years ago.
The news upset Freedom fighters and Libertarians across America, many of whom said Facebook need not meddle in the lives and decisions of its members.
“Why on Earth is Facebook trying to restrict the Freedoms of its users in this manner?” Former Republican Congressman Ron Paul said. “It’s bad enough the government won’t let people do drugs. Now the largest social media site in the world is punishing its members for choosing to post fond memories of yesteryear. Silliness on so many levels. Live and let live Zuckerberg.”
Spokespersons for Winfrey and Thich Nhat Hanh said the two were unable to comment because they were at a silent meditation retreat in Thailand with Good Morning America co-anchor Dan Harris and actors Hugh Jackman and Jim Carrey.
