We choose freedom. Saying goodbye to toxic media!

The world in January 2025. Several social media networks such as X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram have come under increasing fire for their operators' sympathies with far-right parties, conspiracy theories or provocative statements.

Elon Musk gave the Nazi salute and openly promoted the AfD on his portal X (Twitter). Mark Zuckerberg, who runs Facebook and Instagram, has made statements and taken decisions that do not reflect the values of respect and openness that many users seek in social media.

The big platforms, originally designed to connect people and create community, are increasingly dominated by games of influence and power. The operators give the impression of being more interested in their own profits than in the well-being of their users. In this toxic atmosphere, the original promise of social media to create a space for dialogue and the exchange of ideas is increasingly being undermined.

Should we really say goodbye to some social media?

What we are seeing is a flood of moderated content that is not transparent or consistent, an excess of misinformation and a reduction in visibility.

These developments are leading more and more people to feel that social media is no longer the place where they can freely express their thoughts and opinions. The debate is becoming louder and more polarised, and the platforms that were once considered safe havens for exchange are increasingly becoming digital battlegrounds. In particular, posts by far-right parties and individuals are now at the forefront. Content that provokes outrage is increasingly shared and disseminated, while there is little room for factual and calm discussion.

In this context, we asked ourselves: Should we really abandon certain social media platforms when there are good reasons to do so? Given the negative aspects of these platforms – from the spread of fake news to increased surveillance – wouldn't it make sense to look for alternatives?

We were invited to Bluesky last year and created a profile page there. The literary scene seems to be in better hands there because it encourages real interaction and discussion. Every voice counts. – Bluesky's approach is to create a decentralised network where users have more control over their content and data. In such an environment, there is no pressure to bow to the dictates of an algorithm that often only displays what is already popular.

We did not take this decision lightly. In mid-January 2025, we deleted our social media channels X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

Of course, leaving the big social media platforms is not without its challenges. We have invested more than 15 years in some platforms – emotionally, in terms of time and also with a financial advertising budget. The thought of severing all the relationships and interests that have been built up there can be daunting. But the first step towards change is always the hardest.

Social media is dead. Long live social media!

Saying that "Social media is dead" does not mean that social media is gone or useless. Rather, we need to recognise that the playing field has changed and we need to make proactive decisions to navigate this new landscape. The future of social media may lie in diversification. There will be room for high quality, respectful and inclusive platforms that empower users and put them back in control.

We can say that the old social media is indeed dead, but we have the opportunity to create new ones. New platforms like Bluesky or Mastodon are ready to meet our needs. If we embrace these alternatives and rethink the way we communicate online, we can create a digital world based on respect, authenticity and real engagement.

The slogan "Long live social media" is intended as a vision for a better digital future. The future of social media is in our hands. It's time to reshape it.

Let's hope the people behind Bluesky aren't intimidated by politicians or business leaders. And the same goes for Google, because the literary community also thrives on being found in Google searches.

© "We choose freedom. Saying goodbye to toxic media! Why we left the social networks Twitter, Facebook and Instagram": An article by Pressenet, 01/2025. Image credit: AI-generated illustration, CC0 (Public Domain Licence).