leanabeana

Anyone heard of Triggr Health? It's a moderation system that Facebook is advertising on my feed. I guess moderation is the new trendy thing for addiction? I suppose whatever works for harm reduction is a good thing but I just don't buy that it works.

Facebook never ceases to creep me out with their knowledge of my issues.

Just reading about it "triggered" me in that it made wonder if moderation is achievable.

FBL

When it came to drinking, "moderation" was not part of my vocabulary!

leanabeana

Correction - it isn't exactly a moderation system. They support whatever you want to achieve. They do say they are not "abstinence based" but if you want to be abstinent they will help you get there.

ScottFromWI

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

The title of your thread is a bit concerning as well. Facebook cannot "push" you to do anything you don't want to do. You ultimately make all decisions and choices as to how you want to live your life - not an electronic social media outlet.

I personally quit using facebook about 5 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. There's a lot better ways to spend your time.

joandmelandhan

I think it's good to have a healthy cynicism of the tricks of the internet and social media. They "magically" advertise products, pages and even suggest groups and friends in a very big-brother like way. If it disturbs you maybe have a break for a while.
Main thing is to be proud and confident of your decision for abstinence! No one will convince me that there's any other way when in comes to addiction. Keep going you're doing great!

leanabeana

Advertising can push you in a certain direction if you are impressionable. However, I can't blame advertising for influencing me because that's what it's designed to do. Ultimately, I am the decider.

I still feel resolved to stay sober, I just find it interesting that this may the new wave in recovery. I guess the medical industry is so desperate to reduce harm, they will try anything. I get that some people don't want to be told what their recovery should look like and this approach might save their lives if they would have been otherwise alienated by an abstinence-only approach.

leanabeana

Thanks joandmel! I take periodic breaks from Facebook. I spend an average of 10 minutes a day on it so it isn't an issue for me. I just find the targeted advertising fascinating. If Facebook is so smart, why haven't they figured out that I quit drinking and don't wish to moderate?

I don't have any doubts that abstinence is right for me. I have tried moderation and failed many times. It's just my AV playing a few tricks on me to make me think I can drink safely.

joandmelandhan

Pesky AV grrrrr.......!!!!!

tomsteve

and who is responsible for being impressionable?
personally, i am responisble. theres alcohol advertising everywhere. i have a choice to make that advertising make me think i can drink them purdy drinks without consequences
or
use my past to rimind me that that drink wont stop at 1 or 20.

NYCDoglvr

A real alcoholic is incapable of moderating. I call myself an alcoholic because when I pick up a drink I have no control over quantity and consequences. I can abstain (with the help of AA) but not on my own.

SnoozyQ

Moderation and I could never coexist.

I used to get triggered by advertising. Not anymore though. Xxx.

least

Facebook can't 'make' anyone do anything. And yes, the targeted ads are creepy. I don't patronize anything having to do with the ads.

Dee74

I suggest you use an ad blocker or maybe give FB a rest for a while Leana?

D

leanabeana

I didn't know you could ad block on FB

Dee74

There is free specialist software like FBPurity.

F.B. Purity - Clean up and Customize Facebook

D

leanabeana

Cool! I'll check it out. Thanks Dee.

JT79

A little OT, but I couldn't agree more. If you insist on continuing, I would at least use a semi-anonymous name (and use different emails/names for different platforms).

FoleyUK

I don't believe in moderation or Facebook.

I think it's always best to avoid something that triggers the devil inside of us. I've fell victim to the idea of moderation. It only took me 3-4 years to find out it doesn't work...

LeeJane

I cannot moderate. I spent years trying! It does not work for me.

site1Q84

I tried to moderate... it works for a little while and then I end up blacked out and regretting something! If I could moderate I would be a normal drinker and I wouldn't be here in the first place!

I think the fact that we consider moderating our drinking shows how much of an issue we really have