For years, platforms like Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp have been central to how we connect, communicate, and consume content. As someone who’s used these services extensively, I’ve come to a point where continuing to engage with Meta’s ecosystem no longer aligns with my values or priorities. That’s why I’ve made the decision in 2025 to delete my accounts on all Meta-owned platforms and transition to alternatives like Signal & BlueSky. Here’s why:
1. Prioritizing Privacy and Data Protection
Meta’s business model revolves around collecting vast amounts of user data to fuel its targeted advertising machine. This approach raises serious concerns about privacy. From tracking your every interaction to collecting data on your location, interests, and connections, Meta’s practices feel invasive. Worse, their history of data breaches and scandals (like Cambridge Analytica) demonstrates a troubling lack of accountability.
Living in Europe, where data protection regulations like GDPR prioritize user privacy, I’m especially aware of the importance of safeguarding personal information. By moving to platforms like Signal and iMessage, I’m choosing services that prioritize encryption and user privacy. Signal, for example, uses end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring that my messages stay between me and the intended recipient. Although WhatsApp uses Signal’s protocol for data protection, it is still free to exploit user data in other ways, raising significant privacy concerns.
Additionally, WhatsApp needs to become interoperable with other messaging apps, following Europe’s new Digital Markets Act. This shift, as outlined in this article, reflects growing pressure for tech giants to align with regulations that prioritize consumer choice and data security.
2. Escaping the Ad Overload
It’s no secret that Meta platforms are driven by advertising. The endless stream of ads disrupts the user experience and often promotes products or ideas that feel intrusive. These ads are tailored using algorithms that know more about you than you’d probably like, creating an unsettling sense of surveillance.
Switching to platforms that are not ad-driven means reclaiming a more organic, uninterrupted experience. Services like BlueSky focus on building a decentralized, user-first social network without the clutter of targeted ads.
3. Breaking Free from the Infinite Scroll
One of Meta’s most addictive features is the infinite scroll—a design choice engineered to keep users engaged far longer than they intend. It’s easy to lose hours mindlessly scrolling through posts, reels, and stories without realizing the toll it takes on mental health and productivity.
By stepping away from platforms designed to maximize screen time, I’m reclaiming my time and attention. Instead of scrolling, I’m looking forward to more intentional interactions, hobbies and projects that enrich my life.
4. Taking a Stand Against Manipulative Algorithms
Meta’s algorithms aren’t just about showing you what you want to see; they’re about driving engagement, often at the expense of your well-being. Whether it’s amplifying polarizing content, promoting unhealthy body images, or creating echo chambers, these algorithms can have profound negative effects on individuals and society.
Switching to platforms like BlueSky, which emphasize user control and transparency, allows me to engage in a more balanced and meaningful way.
5. Supporting Ethical Tech
Every click, like, and share on Meta platforms contributes to a corporate model that prioritizes profit over ethics. By choosing alternatives like Signal and BlueSky, I’m supporting the organizations that prioritize user well-being and ethical technology development.
## A Note on Google and Apple Services
While this post focuses on leaving Meta, I’m also aware of the significant presence I have on Google & Apple’s ecosystems. Google’s data collection practices and targeted advertising raise similar concerns about privacy and user control. To address this, I’m actively transitioning away from Google and Apple services:
- Search: I’ve already started using DuckDuckGo, which prioritizes user privacy and doesn’t track search activity.
- Email, Calendar, and Contacts: I’m shifting my traffic to iCloud for now and will migrate to Proton in the near future, which offer more secure and privacy-conscious alternatives.
This gradual transition reflects my broader commitment to aligning my digital life with platforms that respect user privacy and promote ethical technology. This topic could be a separate blog post entirely, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities of leaving Google & Apple.
What’s Next?
For those who still want to stay in touch, I’ll be available on:
- BlueSky: For social networking that puts users first.
- LinkedIn: For professional connections and updates.
- Signal: For secure, private messaging.
- iMessage: For seamless communication on Apple devices.
- Email & Old school SMS
This isn’t just about leaving Meta; it’s about embracing a digital life that aligns with my values. It’s about privacy, purposefulness, and mental well-being. Living in Europe, where data protection is better enforced and prioritized, reinforces my belief that we deserve platforms that respect our privacy.
I’m not stopping here. I’m also pulling as much data as possible locally—building a NAS and consolidating my local storage. Additionally, I’ve gotten rid of unnecessary subscriptions, reducing my reliance on external services. If you’ve been considering a similar move, I encourage you to reflect on what truly matters in your digital experience. Let’s build a better internet together.