What’s happening? Something wrong with FB, Insta, Whatsapp and X?

Meta announced it would terminate its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S., replacing it with a "Community Notes" system similar to that used by X (formerly Twitter). This move has raised concerns about the potential spread of misinformation on its platforms.

Alongside ending fact-checking, Meta loosened its content moderation rules, lifting restrictions on topics like immigration and gender identity. Critics fear this could lead to an increase in harmful content.

An internal Facebook study leaked to The Wall Street Journal revealed that Instagram negatively impacts teenage mental health, especially among girls. The study found that Instagram worsens body image issues for one in three teenage girls, yet the platform continued promoting engagement-driven content.

Facebook was criticized for allowing its platform to be used to incite violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar. UN investigators labeled Facebook as playing a "determining role" in the genocide, with hate speech and misinformation spreading unchecked.

It's true that many tech companies collect user data. However, Meta's data collection practices are particularly extensive, combining information across multiple platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and often tracking users even when they're not actively using those services. Choosing alternatives allows you to diversify the data you share and potentially opt for services with more transparent or privacy-focused policies. It's about reducing your reliance on one single entity holding vast amounts of personal information.

Meta invests heavily in user experience and features. However, many alternatives offer comparable or even superior functionalities, especially in areas like privacy and security. It's worth exploring different platforms to discover features that better suit your needs. Sometimes, simplicity and a focus on core functionalities can be more beneficial than a cluttered interface with excessive features.

The network effect is a valid concern, but it's not insurmountable. As more people explore alternatives, the network effect shifts. By inviting your close contacts to join you on new platforms, you contribute to building a new network. Furthermore, focusing on direct communication methods like phone calls, texts, and emails can strengthen existing relationships independently of any social media platform.

It's possible for any company to change its policies. However, choosing open-source and decentralized platforms can mitigate this risk. These platforms are often community-driven and less susceptible to corporate influence. Additionally, diversifying your online presence across multiple smaller platforms reduces the impact if one becomes problematic.

If you rely on Meta for essential groups or communities, you might not be able to completely leave. However, you can still reduce your overall usage and explore options for migrating those communities to alternative platforms. You can also advocate for those groups to establish a presence elsewhere, offering a choice for members who prioritize privacy.

Staying in touch is about making an effort, not just being on the same social media platform. You can still call, text, email, or meet up in person with the people you care about. And if someone only stays in touch with you through Meta, are they really making an effort to connect with you?

It's true that Meta products have a large user base, but that doesn't mean you have to be a part of it. There are plenty of other ways to stay connected with friends and family, and you might even find that you prefer some of the alternatives. Plus, being a part of the majority isn't always the best choice. Sometimes it's good to think for yourself and make your own decisions, even if they're different from what everyone else is doing.

While Meta products can be useful for business, they shouldn't be the sole platform you rely on. Having your own website, email list, and presence on other platforms can actually make your business more resilient and less dependent on a single company's policies.

Meta products might be free in terms of monetary cost, but you're paying with your data and attention. Your data is valuable to Meta, and they use it to target you with ads. Additionally, spending too much time on these platforms can have negative effects on your mental health and well-being.

Meta can be a source of information, but it's not the only one. You can get your news from reputable news organizations, and many local events are advertised through other channels like community websites, email newsletters, and local papers. Relying solely on Meta can actually limit your perspective and expose you to misinformation.

Open source alternatives often don't have the resources of a big corporate, but they've come a long way.

It might be true that other options are not good either, or will turn bad, but at one point instagram was fine as well before it got bought by Meta.

Switching to new platforms might take a little time to adjust, but it's not as hard as you think. Many alternative platforms have similar features and interfaces, and you might even find some that you like better. Plus, the benefits of leaving Meta, like increased privacy and reduced exposure to harmful content, can be worth the initial effort.

It can be hard to leave something you've put time into, but it's important to remember that your worth is not defined by your social media presence. You can always create new profiles on other platforms, and you might even find that you prefer a fresh start.

There are many alternative social media platforms and communication tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Doing a little research can help you find options that better suit your needs and values.

Check out our getting started section for inspiration and help!