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One of the top searched requests in the last several weeks has been “How to delete my Meta account.” (We included a link for that)

The writing is on the wall. ChangeMakers want to leave platforms that aren’t supporting their values. Platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter) have been foundational to digital communication. Still, their roles as arenas for political interference and platforms for toxic behaviour raise concerns. Should we consider leaving these platforms as brands, businesses, and ChangeMakers?

As social impact strategists and advocates for ethical engagement, our response requires a thoughtful approach grounded in change management principles. Here are the key considerations and strategies to guide this decision-making process.


The Risks of Staying

  1. Political Interference and Misinformation
    Both Meta and X have faced significant scrutiny for their roles in amplifying political misinformation. If your brand values integrity, community trust, or social impact, these platforms’ reputations may conflict with your mission.
  2. Toxic Leadership and Content
    The leadership and policies of these platforms often influence their culture. When toxicity filters down from the top, it creates an environment that can feel hostile, polarizing, and inconsistent with inclusive values.
  3. Brand Safety
    Advertising and engaging on platforms where hate speech or misinformation proliferate can tarnish your brand reputation. Audiences are increasingly critical of where brands allocate their ad dollars and attention.

The Case for Staying

  1. Audience Reach
    Despite controversies, these platforms still host billions of active users. For many brands, this reach is critical for maintaining visibility, engagement, and business growth.
  2. Community Building
    For changeMakers, the ability to gather and mobilize like-minded individuals remains unparalleled on platforms like Meta and X. Can we afford to abandon the communities we’ve built?
  3. Opportunities for Positive Impact
    Staying on these platforms can also serve as a way to inject positive, educational, and constructive content into the digital space.

A Change Management Approach

  1. Evaluate Platform Alignment with Your Values
    Start by defining your organization’s core values. Do Meta and X align with those values, or do they conflict? Conduct a stakeholder analysis to understand how your audiences perceive these platforms and your presence on them.
  2. Consider Alternative Platforms
    Emerging platforms like Mastodon, Bluesky, and Threads (by Instagram) are providing new spaces for engagement. Research their user base, policies, and alignment with your values.
  3. Diversify Your Digital Strategy
    A strong social media strategy doesn’t rely on one or two platforms. Focus on building an omnichannel presence that includes email marketing, owned media (like blogs), and niche platforms.
  4. Educate Your Audience
    If you choose to leave or reduce activity on certain platforms, communicate why. Transparency fosters trust. Frame it as a values-driven decision rather than abandoning the audience.
  5. Create Contingency Plans
    Social media landscapes change rapidly. Develop plans to pivot your strategy if these platforms continue to decline in trust or functionality.

Guiding Others

As marketing professionals, educators, or ChangeMakers, we have a responsibility to advise others thoughtfully:

  • Encourage Critical Thinking: Help people evaluate the platforms they use based on data and alignment with their goals.
  • Support Value-Based Decision-Making: Inspire brands to consider the long-term implications of their digital presence.
  • Focus on Digital Resilience: Teach businesses to adapt to changes in technology, audience behavior, and societal norms.

What do you plan to do? Currently we are in the pause mode taking time to reflect before reacting.  One key takeaway is to ensure you don’t spend all your time growing just one platform. Diversify your approach.

Step by Step Guide for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts 

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