JAaron Lanier was the chief scientist in Internet 2’s engineering office at the time, making him one of the pioneers of the internet. In 2018, he presented reasons for deleting social media in his book, “10 Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Now.” After reading it, I concluded that closing your Facebook account was a necessary step. At that time, quitting Twitter seemed impossible, as it was my platform to vent about Brexit. Seven years ago, Twitter was more than just a space for adult content and chatbots.
Lanier’s critiques of Facebook were comprehensive. He argued that the platform created a bias that favored the less informed and weaker arguments. Manipulative algorithms, misinformation, and divisive narratives were rampant on the platform, making it not only uninteresting but also harmful. My newsfeed was filled with irrelevant posts about trivial matters like potholes, bras, and children, along with boastful and pretentious content.
Despite these issues, I hesitated to click the “Delete Account” button due to the minor conveniences the platform provided. However, a significant incident pushed me over the edge. The removal of tampons and sanitary pads for trans men and non-binary individuals from Meta’s men’s room highlighted the platform’s insensitivity and lack of accountability. It was then that I decided to take a stand against the billionaire owners, even if it meant sacrificing the comfort of inertia.
Source: www.theguardian.com
