Surfacing / low activity (fujou / tei-fujou)

Overview

Surfacing (fujou) is slang for being active on social media, posting and liking things, so that other users can see you're around. "I'm surfacing" means "I'm back on social media," and "low activity" (tei-fujou) means "I'm not checking social media much."

There are all kinds of reasons for low activity. You're busy with exams, your offline life is full, you're tired of social media, or you just have nothing in particular to post. Low activity isn't necessarily a negative state, and in some cases it's a healthy one where you're putting your real life first.

Question boxes and surfacing / low activity

When the person answering a question box goes into low activity, senders and followers may get anxious. "Are they quitting their question box?" "Did something happen?" "Did my question make them sick of it?" When the person answering goes into low activity right after a sender sends a question, that sender tends to assume it's their own fault.

If you're the one answering, one option is to say a word before you go into low activity. "I'll be on low activity for a while." "It's exam season, so my question box is taking a break." This one line can ease senders' anxiety. Disappearing without a word and disappearing after leaving a note give different impressions.

Low activity isn't a bad thing

There's no obligation to be active on social media all the time. Low activity could be called a form of digital detox. You step away from your phone and focus on your real life. You meet friends in person and talk. You go outside and move your body. These are experiences you can't get on social media.