You probably know that, in his infinite wisdom, Mark Zuckerberg has decided that Facebook should no longer fact check.
I’m not sure that the fact checking actually worked- there was certainly a lot of disinformation on FB. But at least they were sort of, kind of, maybe trying. Now it’s going to be more like Twitter/X where anything goes. Before Musk ruined it, one of my happiest social media moments was when Trump was banned from Twitter for lying. Ah, the good old days. I remember going to look at his account and seeing that it said, “You’re trying to follow a user that doesn’t exist.” If only.
So here’s my dilemma. I have a Facebook page called, “Thoughts From Aisle 4.” And I’ve spent 7 or 8 years working hard at my blog. Keeping trolls away, moderating comments, trying to provide good content, telling the truth, sharing my life, etc. At last count I have over 57,000 followers. And not just followers- a really engaged group of wonderful people. I call them mates because many of them feel like friends. I’ve written about my kids, turkey baby grandson, falling apart, building a house and moving, the pandemic, a backyard wedding; basically everything from the mundane to the monumental.
But now I feel like I’m supporting a platform run by someone who has gone over to the dark side. During the campaign, I noticed that many negative comments about *CF Trump were not being shown. The algorithm was definitely trending toward the right. When Musk took over Twitter, I was out of there even though I had started to gain some traction and I enjoyed some of the content. I’m now on Threads and just joined Blue Sky last week, although I haven’t had time to explore it yet. People are saying it’s what Twitter used to be before it became X.
It would be hard for me to delete my account. I put so much into Aisle 4. And even though I’m enjoying Substack, it’s not the same kind of format. I can’t just put up a meme or share a few words here.
I pride myself on having strong principles. But now I’m supporting a turd. I can’t wait until Zuck’s kids grow up and call him out on the fact that he supported an administration that was hell bent on ruining their futures. For goodness’s sake, he has three DAUGHTERS. Whose reproductive rights are toast. Not to mention that the Trump administration has vowed to ignore climate change, mass shootings, etc. “Dad- why didn’t you do more to stop what was happening??” Oh it’s coming, trust me. Deregulation will make Zuckerberg even richer. But at a very high price.
If I delete my account I will feel awful. If I continue on, I can at least offer up the actual truth and call out the hypocrisy and lies. A little resistance if you will. But I will still be supporting Meta. Which kind of sucks because they no longer stand for anything good. Sigh.
I’m happy to hear your thoughts on the matter. As I grapple with my conscience, feel free to weigh in.
*Convicted Felon
(Ad- I’ve written three books. If you’re looking for something light to read, they are perfect. You can find them on Amazon and through other online retails. - Marlene Kern Fischer)
Hmmm - I think many of us are facing the same dilemma.
My vote is we stay, stand strong and keep posting the truth. Otherwise, all we'll have are the lies.
What you have to say matters. Your voice matters. Don't silence it for anyone.
PS your baby turkey will be proud.
Stay
I for one think you should continue on. It makes me sick what Zuckerberg and many other CEO's are supporting this awful man...but your voice is loud and important and you have many followers on Facebook. It's important that people speak up - if it becomes that there are more trolls than followers that is the time for reevaluation.