Let me say this loud and clear: I’m done feeding the beast. Writing this might feel strange, but I need to get it off my chest. These thoughts have been brewing for a while and now feels like the right time to let them out.

Social media has been such a constant in my life that it feels almost inseparable from my identity—woven into my sense of self, livelihood, and global presence. It’s given me access to communities, joy, power, and hope. It’s helped me achieve the life of my dreams, establish myself as a multi-hyphenate creative force, and become someone who is loved and supported by my community.

But let’s not sugarcoat things. Social media has also taken its toll. It has fueled division within myself and others. It thrives on rage-bait culture, where algorithms gorge on conflict and controversy. It’s made me question my creative impulses, fear backlash, and carry the projections of countless strangers. Social media is a rollercoaster ride between connection and chaos, between support and bigotry. And honestly? I’m ready to get off.

The Harsh Truth About Social Media

Let’s be honest. The platforms many of us use daily are controlled by a small group of ultra-wealthy white men who prioritize profits over people. Platforms like Facebook (Meta), Instagram, and Twitter (X) thrive on spreading hate, misinformation, and authoritarian ideologies—all while pretending to be neutral tools for connection. They’ve been complicit in political extremism, systemic inequities, and the erosion of democracy. And every post, like, and share makes them richer.

Sources:

• The New York Times: Facebook Amplifies Extremism

• The Guardian: Social Media and the Erosion of Democracy

• ProPublica: Facebook and Far-Right Radicalization

These platforms don’t deserve your energy. They don’t deserve mine. Let’s stop feeding them.

Meta's recent policy changes raise concerns about online safety and the integrity of information. Under Mark Zuckerberg's leadership, the company has implemented several notable adjustments, including the cessation of professional fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram and the appointment of executives with strong conservative ties to key roles. The removal of content moderation safeguards may disproportionately affect marginalized communities that already face increased risks of harassment and misinformation online. By eliminating professional fact-checking and easing content restrictions, Meta's platforms may become less capable of addressing harmful narratives and protecting vulnerable users. This shift in policy direction warrants careful attention from community leaders and advocacy groups working to maintain safe digital environments.

Reclaiming Our Energy, Reclaiming Our Power

Here’s the thing: energy has power. Your time, attention, and creativity are currency, and every second we pour into these platforms is a deposit into the pockets of billionaires who couldn’t care less about us and are actively working against many people I hold near and dear to my heart. These platforms—controlled by wealthy, white, cishet men—are actively using our energy to maintain their empires of exploitation and misinformation.

Do you know what will feel delicious? Watching their wealth plummet when we stop giving them our energy. Imagine the impact if we disengage from their systems entirely. We hold the power here, witches. Let’s reclaim it. Decentralize. Break away. Find other ways to connect that don’t feed these harmful machines. This isn’t just about leaving platforms but building something better. Reclaim your time. Reclaim your power. Reclaim your platforms.

A Movement Is Growing: Opting Out of Social Media

I’m not alone in this. More and more people are saying, “Enough.” They’re opting out, reclaiming their time, and finding new ways to connect. The momentum is building as more of us see through the illusion of connection these platforms offer. This is about creating intentional, authentic ways of being in community that don’t come at the expense of our mental health, creativity, or values.

Emboldened and Excited for the Future

This isn’t about fear. I’m not afraid—I’m thrilled. I feel emboldened, excited, and liberated by the knowledge that I won’t be contributing to these harmful systems anymore. Instead, I’m reclaiming my time and energy for the practices that keep me grounded and hopeful: my art-making, writing, teaching, therapy work, and all the fun and creative ways I show up in the world. It’s a return to myself, my values, and the future I want to build.

I’m looking forward to what’s next, and I know that the energy I’m reclaiming will only amplify what I can offer to the people, communities, and practices that truly matter to me.

Quiet Quitting Instagram: Why I’m Stepping Back (But Not Deleting)

After deep reflection and observing Meta's recent changes, including the end of professional fact-checking and shift in leadership, I've decided to step back from Instagram and Facebook. While I'm not deleting my profiles—at least not for now—I am significantly reducing my engagement with these platforms. Consider this my version of "quiet quitting."

Leaving my profiles up feels right for the moment. They hold years of connections, creative work, and moments I've shared with this community. Deleting them outright feels too final. For now, they will remain as digital archives and a way to share important announcements when needed.

I'll post updates occasionally and use the platform strategically for collaboration and connection, but I'm choosing not to engage, scroll, or check DMs actively. If you need to reach me, please email me or connect through other channels. The constant need to stay visible, respond, and feed the algorithm has become draining, especially as the platform evolves in concerning directions. Right now, I'm prioritizing other parts of my life—projects that bring me joy, in-person relationships, and spaces where I feel more aligned and nourished.

This isn't a dramatic goodbye but a mindful shift in how I choose to spend my energy and where I feel safe sharing my voice. Thank you for those who've followed, supported, and connected with me here. You've been part of something meaningful, and I hope we can stay connected through other channels that better serve our community.

Create Your Own “Get Off the Internet” Campaign

Before you leave these platforms, make your exit loud, joyful, and inspiring. Start your own “Get Off the Internet” campaign—or better yet, get specific: "Get off Facebook," "Get off Instagram," or "Get off X.” Make it the next big thing. The vibe? Unplugging is hot. Staying on social media? Tacky. Weird. Gross. Bad. Unethical. Immoral.

Tell your friends—offline. Talk in person with your phones off (or better yet, leave your phones far away). Share your stories via encrypted messaging apps. Post on your own websites, like I just did. Make your disconnection celebratory. Reclaim the narrative. Opting out is trending, witches. It’s freedom, power, and a return to what really matters.

Let’s co-create something better. Let’s dream up a future where we connect on our own terms—with care, intention, and joy. Together, we can make this movement irresistible. Let’s reclaim our energy, reclaim our platforms, and reclaim our lives.

How you and I can stay connected

I am still active on Blue Sky, Linkedin, and YouTube, and I plan to remain there. I also invite you to connect with me more intentionally—through my newsletter, my website, my blog (leave me a comment below!), and the MANY spaces we can co-create together both online and AFK. You can also contact me, send me an email, or a text if you have my number.

ps. If you have a newsletter that you feel I (or folks who read my blog) should be on, please let us know by leaving a comment below!