Quite a while ago, I deleted my Facebook and Twitter accounts. I did that for a variety of reasons. But I kept on with Instagram and its twitter-like spin-off Threads.

I signed up with Instagram before Meta bought it. I have continued to use IG even after Meta acquired it. I like Instagram and seeing photos and short videos from friends and creators to the National Parks and NatGeo. It has been a great platform.

However, I can no longer ignore the actions, statements, and directives that Meta’s CEO has taken in the last few months. These include: his decisions to end fact-checking, to reduce moderation efforts, and to dismantle the Hateful Conduct policy; his support and monetary donations to the incoming administration; and his statements that corporate America needs more “masculine energy.”

I cannot and will not support this. And so, I am deleting my Instagram and Threads accounts. I have already created an account and started using Bluesky instead.

Bluesky is a microblogging social media service similar to Twitter, which is not surprising since Jack Dorsey, when he was CEO of Twitter, directed the creation of Bluesky to explore the possibility of decentralizing Twitter. (And when Twitter was acquired by Musk, Bluesky was not a part of that deal and became independent.)

So far, I really like Bluesky. It’s user-focused. It’s a decentralized social media platform offering users more control over their online experience. It’s designed to be a more open and user-centric alternative to traditional social media.

Bluesky also recently announced it will be launching Flashes, a photo sharing app. So bonus!

For the platforms I’ve chosen to leave, please know that my opinions are just that—mine. I think it’s important that everyone make their own decisions as to what is important to them. As for me, my decision is to not support policies and actions that are clearly not user-focused and will likely harm already vulnerable segments of society, especially the LGBTQ+ community.

In the meantime, follow me here, on Bluesky, and eventually on Flashes.