For years, I have poured my life into social media—sharing memories, building connections, and engaging with communities. But today, I am taking a stand. I just purchased a Seagate 5TB Backup Plus External Drive because I refuse to be held hostage by Meta, an entity that thrives on surveillance, profits from our personal data, and is now cozying up to the forces of fascism.

I’m not playing games. I see Meta for what it is—a machine designed to track, monetize, and manipulate—and I refuse to feed it any longer. This is not just frustration; this is an act of resistance. If you think this is an overreaction, I encourage you to read Lena Cohen’s recent article on the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Mad at Meta? Don’t Let Them Collect and Monetize Your Personal Data. It lays bare just how deeply Meta infiltrates our lives, beyond what we post and share.

Why I’m Leaving Meta

Meta’s recent policy changes have loosened restrictions on hate speech, allowing for targeted attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants—a clear move to appease the incoming Trump administration. This is not an accident. This is calculated. And I will not support a company that enables harm and division.

But it’s bigger than just policies. Meta’s business model is surveillance-based advertising, meaning even if you delete your accounts, they are still tracking you across the web. Their tools, like the Meta tracking pixel, are embedded in 30% of the world’s most popular websites, including hospitals, financial institutions, and mental health platforms.

Personal Reflections on Leaving Meta

There were two driving forces that led me to start using Facebook: my eldest son, who was evolving beyond MySpace, and a work friend who only used Facebook. While everyone in my circle was flocking in that direction, I tried to hold onto MySpace, but it just didn’t work for me. If I wanted to keep an eye on my kid (trust me, I needed to) and stay connected with friends and family, Facebook became the only real option.

I didn’t just use Facebook personally—I grew my page as I grew CherryCoBiz. I was drawn to the allure of Meta’s creator bonuses, the potential to make something meaningful. I created Cherry Tips, short reels offering holistic health and wellness advice. My audience wasn’t massive, but I made it to over 5,000 followers, and my numbers were strong. People genuinely liked the content I was sharing. Meta dangled the possibility of a $30,000 creator bonus, and while I never expected an overnight windfall, I made a whole ten bucks.

Walking away from this isn’t easy. Over the years, I’ve made real connections—some with people in other countries. Friendships have formed, and leaving Meta likely means losing touch with some of them. That part stings. It’s a painful reminder of how deeply these platforms embed themselves in our lives, making us feel like we can’t disconnect without losing something real. But the truth is, if a connection is meant to last, we’ll find a way outside of Meta’s grip. And if not, then maybe it was never truly free to begin with. A far cry from the dream they sold, but like many creators, I had hoped for a small piece of the pie.

But now? I don’t want any of it. I cannot be bought like Trump. I’m not for sale like Greenland. I won’t put up with nonsense like Canada and Mexico have had to. Meta wants to play games? They have nearly half the country willing to play along. Enjoy.

How I’m Cutting Ties

I’ve been on Facebook and Instagram for 15+ years, so leaving isn’t as simple as just hitting ‘delete.’ This is a process, and I’m documenting every step. This idea has been in the making for about a month, and while it hasn’t happened overnight, I am taking deliberate, actionable steps to make it a reality:

1. Backing Up My Data: My external drive will hold my photos, memories, and important information so I don’t lose them when I delete my accounts.
2. Adjusting Privacy Settings: Before full deletion, I’m limiting what Meta can collect by adjusting ad preferences and turning off activity tracking (see EFF’s guide for steps).
3. Blocking Trackers: Installing Privacy Badger to stop Meta’s tracking pixels from following me online.
4. Exploring Alternative Platforms: Looking into decentralized social networks that respect privacy.
5. Cutting Ties with Amazon Next: Meta isn’t the only tech giant exploiting people. I’m also working on reducing my reliance on Amazon, though it’s deeply woven into my life, too.

This is a Protest

I did not vote for this administration, but I will suffer under its policies like everyone else. The difference? I refuse to accept it. This is about more than politics—it’s about autonomy, integrity, and refusing to support a system built on exploitation.

If you feel the same way, I urge you to start small: read the EFF article (here), adjust your privacy settings, and start reclaiming your data. This doesn’t have to happen overnight—even I am taking it step by step—but each action chips away at the power these corporations hold over us.

We may not be able to tear down these systems overnight, but we can starve them—bit by bit. I’m doing my part. Will you?

Stay tuned as I navigate this new world again, discovering new ways to rebel and resist digital oppression.