Today, I deleted my social imprints of 15 years of Facebook, 17 years of Twitter and 10 years of Instagram. In recent years, social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we connect, communicate, and consume information. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have brought people closer, facilitated global conversations, and provided spaces for creativity. However, the ethical compromises and exploitative practices of these companies have reached a tipping point, prompting me to take a stand, which is a personal decision of mine that I have insight might not be significant in the grand scheme of things, but I believe keeps my conscience intact and strong. Today, I transitioned to the alternatives Mastodon, Bluesky, and Signal. This decision reflects my desire to align my digital presence with my values of privacy, accountability, and ethical conduct. It is an outright moral stand against the current worldview that the right wing fascists have that they can continue to rule by keeping the quid pro quo between themselves and the big business intact.
The actions of Facebook (now Meta), Twitter (under Elon Musk), and Instagram have highlighted a concerning disregard for user privacy, democratic integrity, and social responsibility. Meta’s repeated privacy violations, such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showcased how personal data can be exploited for profit and political manipulation. The platform’s algorithms, designed to prioritize engagement, have amplified misinformation, divisive content, and hate speech, causing real-world harm in the form of violence and polarization. Mark Zuckerberg’s personal decisions, including lobbying against meaningful regulation and cozying up to authoritarian regimes, only deepen my distrust in Meta’s ethical compass. Zuckerberg’s recent decision to end the “Fact check” provision on Meta only strengthens my belief that his value system is corrupted and beyond repair.
Similarly, Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership has devolved into a platform that amplifies far-right voices while silencing critics and journalists. By reinstating banned extremists, dissolving content moderation teams, and enabling unchecked hate speech, Musk has turned the platform into a breeding ground for misinformation and toxicity. Musk’s public manipulation of cryptocurrency markets and his alignment with political agendas that undermine labor rights and environmental sustainability further cement my decision to leave Twitter behind. Musk is the most sde human being in existence; who literally changed the rule of blocking to continue to stalk his ex wife.
In contrast, I have chosen to embrace alternatives that prioritize ethical practices and user agency. Mastodon, a decentralized and open-source platform, offers a community-driven approach free from corporate influence. It empowers users to join or create servers that align with their values, fostering healthier and more meaningful interactions. Bluesky, built on the principle of decentralization, promises a more transparent and user-focused experience. Its commitment to open standards and innovation provides hope for a less exploitative future for social networking. Signal, as a messaging app, exemplifies privacy-first technology. Its end-to-end encryption, open-source code, and lack of data monetisation make it a trustworthy alternative to platforms like WhatsApp, owned by Meta. I plan on eventually deleting WhatsApp; as my individual moral stand is also a metaphorical F U to Meta.
This transition is not merely about changing platforms but about taking a stand against unethical corporate practices. By leaving Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I am rejecting systems that exploit user data, amplify harm, and prioritize profit over people. By adopting Mastodon, Bluesky, and Signal, I am supporting technologies that empower users, protect privacy, and foster ethical innovation.
Take a stand. Be the change your childhood expected you to be.
Himanshu Chakravarty Sharma / मंच 