Should I Delete My Social Media Accounts?

I am very worried about the TikTok ban, not just because their algorithms have been the best at connecting with gifted and neurodivergent audiences, but also because of what it will mean for our country in terms of censorship and governmental policy (in an already tumultuous time). TikTok has been, by far, my fastest growing account – especially when I was creating more before my extended burnout. It is also a place where I’ve seen the most nuanced conversations around neurodivergence, despite its reputation for lip syncing, dancing and cringe content. For the ADHD crowd, short form video has been an excellent way to get points across in an easily consumable way. Gwen Montoya does an insightful overview of the current issues with TikTok here.

Mass Exodus Looming

I’ve known for much time that Meta is problematic for a variety of reasons, and a lot of people have been leaving or talking about leaving for a while. This past week though, with recent policy changes taking away fact checking and protections against hate speech, a lot of people are even more set on a mass exodus. However I saw this recent post that gave me a lot of food for thought, and echoes some of the sentiments that I have had. The suggestion that some of these changes may be intentional, designed to fragment powerful communities, is both unsettling and thought-provoking.

But whether intentional or not, these shifts leave us with important questions: How do we preserve the spaces that matter? How do we adapt to a digital landscape that’s constantly evolving? Facebook, especially, has been a place for me to connect with community not just online, but also in person through groups, events etc. in a way no other social media platform has done. Plus it’s where most of my family and close friends hang out and share life updates.

Every Platform Has Had It’s Place

My personal Instagram account has mostly served as my own visual self regulation tool – curated for it’s serene images that help soothe me when I scan through. It also conveniently posts to my Threads and Facebook account, so it’s efficient in terms of time vs. post quantity. My Embracing Intensity account is slightly more chaotic, but provides a space to preview and promote my longer content such as podcasts, videos and blogs.

I feel like both Threads and BlueSky are attempting to replace Twitter, but since I never loved the text only based platform in the first place, it’s hard to get enthusiastic about them. I really want to love BlueSky more than I do, since it seems the least problematic, but it feels like just one more platform to add in a sea of ones that already have a solid function for me. YouTube has served me well for long-form content, but the stats on my shorts is the most inconsistent across platforms, and tend to get the most random and unwelcome comments.

Growing Concerns

I have deep concerns about how the government can shut down one platform, meanwhile several others are pulling back protections and seem to be less and less regulated. However, a mass exodus from Facebook/META hasn’t sat right with me for a variety of reasons. Making these changes to cut back protections, threatens to break up communities that have been formed on these platforms. We’ve reached a point where the institutions that are supposed to help protect us, are failing, so it’s time to put our own systems of community care in place. I’m not an expert in that area, but it’s something I’m exploring more. What I do know is that if we abandon these sites completely, what’s left will likely be an unruly mess of propaganda and the people most vulnerable to believe it.

Cautions of Social Media

In addition to the recent policy changes and concerning information & security issues, for some, cutting off social networking platforms can bring relief from constant notifications, mindless scrolling, and feelings of inadequacy fueled by social comparison. These platforms are designed to capture your attention, often at the expense of your mental health and time management.

Reducing Social Media consumption can bring:

• Improved Mental Health: Studies show that spending less time on social media can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, especially for young adults.
• Reclaiming Time: The average person spends hours daily on social platforms, time that could be redirected toward hobbies, real-life connections, or personal growth.
• Protecting Privacy: Reducing your online presence minimizes the risk of your personal information being misused.

The Downsides of Deleting Social Media

However, deleting your accounts isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Social media plays a vital role in maintaining social contacts, especially for small businesses and those who rely on platforms like Facebook groups or Instagram accounts for professional networking or staying connected with family.

Deleting them entirely can lead to:

• Losing Community: Many find their closest online communities on platforms like Facebook. These groups are often lifelines for shared interests, parenting advice, or even professional life.
• Impact on Small Businesses: Social platforms remain a primary tool for content marketing and reaching audiences, making their absence a challenge for entrepreneurs.
• Missed Updates: Without social media, staying informed about friends’ lives or current events may require extra effort.

A Balanced Approach to Social Media

Instead of deleting Social Media accounts entirely, consider adjusting how you engage with it. Building a healthier relationship with social media can involve smaller, actionable changes.

1. Set Boundaries: Limit your screen time to certain hours and avoid checking apps first thing in the morning or before bed.
2. Unfollow or Mute: Curate your feed to focus on people or pages that uplift you, rather than trigger negative emotions.
3. Digital Detox Days: Dedicate one day a week to being offline to recharge and connect with real life.
4. Join Alternative Platforms: Explore community-oriented spaces like Mighty Networks (home of my Embracing Intensity Community) for deeper engagement without the noise of traditional platforms.

Strategies for Combatting Negative Effects

Combating the negative effects of social media requires intentionality. Focus on reducing the impact of misinformation, hate speech, and algorithmic manipulation by:

• Fact-Checking & Reporting: Verify information before sharing and report harmful content.
• Engaging Positively: Be intentional about interactions. Comment on posts that matter to you and support friends or creators you value.
• Creating Rather Than Consuming: Use your online presence for meaningful content creation instead of aimless scrolling.

Navigating Social Media Changes: Protecting Our Communities and Staying Connected

Social media has become an essential tool for connection, community building, and sharing ideas. However, recent changes in platform policies—such as reduced protections against hate speech and diminished fact-checking—pose challenges for maintaining positive, safe, and informed online spaces. While these shifts can feel overwhelming, there are actionable strategies we can adopt to protect our communities and connections while staying true to our values.

1. Strengthen Your Community

Building a strong, values-driven community is key to weathering the effects of harmful policies.

• Create Clear Guidelines: If you manage groups, establish clear boundaries that explicitly disallow hate speech or misinformation. Pin these guidelines for easy access and reference.
• Encourage Deeper Conversations: Create smaller, focused groups to foster meaningful discussions with trusted members. Prioritize values-based connections that align with your community’s goals.

2. Amplify Credible Voices

Your platform is a powerful tool for uplifting voices and perspectives that matter.

• Share Reputable Content: Regularly share posts from credible sources that combat misinformation and promote inclusivity. Highlight resources that educate and empower your audience.
• Elevate Marginalized Voices: Use your platform to amplify the stories and experiences of those directly impacted by harmful policies. This helps create a more equitable online space.

3. Be a Source of Fact-Checking

Combat misinformation by taking a proactive approach to accuracy.

• Debunk False Claims: Gently address and correct misinformation in comments or posts by linking to reliable sources, such as Snopes or fact-checking organizations.
• Model Accuracy: Lead by example, verifying information before sharing it yourself. Encourage others to do the same.

4. Diversify Communication Channels

Avoid relying solely on one platform to maintain your connections.

• Explore Alternatives: Transition parts of your community to platforms like Discord or Mighty Networks  that prioritize intentional, values-driven engagement. For example, my own Mighty Networks group offers a dedicated space for deeper, distraction-free conversations.
• Build an Email List: An email list is a versatile, reliable way to stay connected with your community regardless of platform changes. Encourage members to opt-in via your website or social media.

5. Curate Your Feed

Take control of your social media experience by minimizing exposure to harmful content.

• Use Mute and Block Features: Protect your mental health by muting or blocking accounts that spread hate or misinformation.
• Engage with Positivity: Focus your interactions on uplifting, encouraging content from friends, family, and groups that align with your values.

6. Educate and Engage

Promote media literacy and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue within your community.

• Share Tools for Media Literacy: Post resources that teach others how to identify and avoid misinformation.
• Host Events: Organize virtual or in-person gatherings to discuss strategies for staying informed, building connections, and combating harmful content online.

7. Lead by Example

Your actions set the tone for your community.

• Model Positive Engagement: Show how to approach online interactions with compassion and kindness.
• Foster Inclusivity: Create safe spaces for diverse voices and perspectives. In my own Mighty Networks group, I focus on shared values like connection, creativity, and self-regulation, while emphasizing respect and kindness.

8. Support Advocacy for Accountability

Stand with organizations working to hold platforms accountable for harmful policy changes.

• Follow Advocacy Groups: Support organizations like Media Matters, SPLC, and the ADL that focus on promoting accountability in tech.
• Sign Petitions: Add your voice to calls for policies that uphold protections against hate speech and misinformation.

9. Prepare for Policy Shifts

Be proactive in adapting to changes in social media policies.

• Moderate Groups Effectively: Use stricter moderation tools, such as pre-approving posts or comments, to maintain a positive and safe environment.
• Anticipate Challenges: Stay informed about upcoming policy changes and plan accordingly to protect your community.

10. Advocate Directly to Platforms

Don’t underestimate the power of feedback.

• Share Your Concerns: Use platform feedback tools to highlight the importance of protections like fact-checking and hate speech moderation.
• Push for Better Algorithms: Advocate for algorithms that prioritize connection, inclusivity, and safety over divisive or harmful content.

By combining these strategies, we can continue to nurture our communities and protect the values that matter most, even amidst challenging changes. Whether it’s through curating meaningful spaces, diversifying communication channels, or supporting advocacy efforts, there’s a lot we can do to navigate these shifts while staying connected and empowered.

Looking for a positive space to grow and connect? Join us on in the Embracing Intensity Community, where we’re building a supportive, inclusive community focused on shared values and meaningful engagement.

Looking Forward

As someone who has spent years building communities online, I know how deeply meaningful these spaces can be. They’re places to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and grow together. While the changes we’re seeing on platforms like Facebook can feel discouraging, they’re also an opportunity to think creatively about how we engage and connect.

For me, this means continuing to nurture my spaces there while also inviting people to join me on Mighty Networks, where we can connect more intentionally. It means fostering real-life connections and advocating for the kind of online world we want to be a part of.

How are you handling these changes? What strategies have worked for you? Let me know in the comments—or better yet, join me over in my Embracing Intensity Community to continue the conversation.

Let’s keep building, together!