As a personal stylist for women, sharing not only client stories but also client images is essential. This was one of the many reasons that the prospect of leaving Instagram (and, to a lesser extent, Facebook) was a very big deal. But, as the owner of a values-based business, it was a no brainer. As part of the styling process, I help each client identify her body type, budget, personal style key words, colors and values. They don’t need to be my values. What I care most about is giving women agency over their own lives. It’s important to understand that we are not victims, but are instead powerful drivers of our paths. Understanding what you value and then reflecting those values in your life choices, when possible, is important.

Because of this perspective, it felt essential that I leave Meta. So, in December, 2021, that’s what I did. After all, I knew that I was opposed to several of the company’s practices and by being a part of the platform, specifically helping to generate ad revenue for the company, I was not living my values.

In case you are wondering, my top 5 Reasons at the time were:

1. Most Human Trafficking on Social Media Takes Place on Facebook & Instagram

2. Women are repeatedly victims of online abuse and Facebook does little to stop it

3. The platform’s role in the January 6th Insurrection

4. Right-Wing Misinformation is some of the most-shared content on Facebook

5. The Facebook Files Give us detailed information from inside the company

And, in case you are wondering if I’m on X, formerly Twitter, I removed a rarely active account in 2016.

When leaving, I wanted to be sure that I wasn’t forcing my values onto other people. But, I quickly discovered that most folks I discussed it with assumed I was leaving because managing multiple social media account was, “too hard.” So, I decided to share my reasons for leaving on my blog and reference it moving forward when asked.

Do I regret it?

Absolutely not.

Do I wish more people would leave these platforms?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Am I interested in chatting about it more and hearing from other business owners who made the same leap, understanding that it may damage their business and potentially their revenue? Yes!

And I hope you join us, too. Join the Courage Effect’s special edition live podcast, “Lessons Learned from Leaving Meta” on Tuesday, February 25th at 9AM PST.

If the world is feeling out of control right now and you are searching for a way to live your values and take action, this is the right time for this conversation. Leaving Meta (or X) may or may not be your path right now. But, it’s always important to remind yourself that you have control over your choices and your life. Take action in the ways that are important to you and have impact.

Need some motivation and perhaps some tactical advice? Join the conversation. It’s free and it matters.

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