Meta’s New Policies: Should We Stay Or Should We Go?

We don’t have to tell you that social media isn’t what it used to be, and that is not by accident or coincidence. These shifts are by design. The recent policy changes announced by Meta aren’t just updates—they’re shifts that challenge the values that Positive Impact Organizations have built their communities around.

We are only a few weeks into 2025 and Meta has announced several concerning changes, such as:

• January 6: Meta ends third-party fact-checking (following in X/Twitter’s footsteps) and moving to a Community Notes model.
• January 7: Meta changes “Hateful Conduct” to allow users to say LGBTQ people are mentally ill.
• January 10: Meta notifies employees of end to DEI programs and rules protecting the LGBTQ+ community

Meta has also been in the spotlight this week as users noted that results for left-leaning hashtags such as #Democrat were not populating on Instagram and users were instead shown an error message that said, “We’ve hidden these results. Results for the term you searched for may contain sensitive content.” Right-leaning hashtags like #Republican and #GOP remained available during this time.

Citing feelings of distrust, many are abandoning Meta products altogether in favor of more value-aligned social media platforms such as: BlueSky, the upcoming image sharing app Flashes, Neptune, and Pixelfed. Perhaps you are also wondering how to move forward with your social media presence because Meta’s ethical values no longer align with your core principles.

Rest assured, you are not alone. Digital Mountaineers has long considered boycotting all Meta products, especially once we left the X Platform in February 2024. So, the big question is – why are we still here?

Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk want to tear down the communities we have built on these platforms so that they can have a social media platform that only serves their own ideals. If these spaces are abandoned, and our influence diminishes, then all that is left are those who oppose us. Where will people find help?

These changes have been made as a deliberate attempt to dismantle the grassroots movements that have flourished in these digital spaces, such as:

Black Lives Matter.

#MeToo.

March For Our Lives.

Occupy Wall Street.

Global Climate Strike.

#LoveWins

#noDAPL.

As Meta continues to capitulate to right-wing political extremism, every dissenting voice is a challenge to their narrative and power. Now that they are no longer fact-checking content, lifting restrictions on political topics, and making space for people to condemn the LGBTQIA, it is easy to feel like walking away is the only option. And truthfully, if you feel the need to leave these platforms to protect yourself or protect your peace–by all means, do so. Taking care of your mental/emotional health is always important, but especially so if it helps to keep you focused on doing impactful work.

But remember that it is the strength, tenacity, and dedication of these online communities that fueled these movements.

As an agency, Digital Mountaineers has decided that instead of abandoning these spaces, we need to adapt and stay vigilant. We must find creative ways to stay connected, support each other, and continue building meaningful relationships within our communities.

Here’s what you can do to stay engaged:

1. Diversify Your Platforms: Explore decentralized social media options and niche communities that align with your values.
2. Build Up Your Email List:?The easiest, fastest, and most direct link to your community at your fingertips. (Psst: join our email list)
3. Strengthen Offline Connections: Use your online community as a bridge to real-world interactions and collaborations.
4. Encourage Active Participation: Stay engaged, comment, share, and support content that fosters connection and growth.
5. Educate and Inform: Help others understand what’s happening and why it’s crucial to stay connected and informed.

Whether it’s through alternative platforms, private groups, or simply doubling down on engagement, maintaining these connections is more important now than ever. The communities we’ve built are worth fighting for. Instead of giving in to frustration and fear, let’s stand firm together and uphold the strength we’ve built together. Also, come find us on Bluesky @digitalmountaineer.bsky.social

Remember – at Digital Mountaineers: No one climbs alone.