Hello supporter!
This morning, we're at Ealing Broadway Station with Amadou and Barry, two MYLONDON photographers! Barry, who is this month's MYLONDON photographer, is also signing calendars!
Typically, we would share these photos on Instagram, where we have 1,956 followers, and possibly on Facebook, where we have over 5,100 followers.
However, we have chosen to halt our activity on all Meta social media platforms for a few weeks while we determine our stance regarding our association with the company.
Many are aware that Meta recently decided to eliminate fact-checking of content on their apps, and yesterday it was announced that minority groups from the LGBTQ+ community can be classified as mentally ill.
It seems the modifications were implemented to satisfy the new US Trump administration. We will likely go back to using these Meta platforms in the future, since they enable us to promote our homeless charity, but for now we are taking a break.
We would love to know your views on this matter. Thank you again for your ongoing support!
Paul Ryan
P.S. If you are on Bluesky please follow me here: @kiwipaul.bsky.social
Like many others, I am angered by Meta's recent statement, though it seems to merely extend their long-standing pattern as a bad-faith actor. However, I feel that boycotting their platforms, even if done by a wide range of organisations, is unlikely to significantly impact their policies or actions.
It’s undeniable that both Facebook and Instagram have become increasingly fraught with divisive and discriminatory participants. Yet, these platforms also remain vital for countless individuals and organisations working to promote compassion, inclusion, and understanding. They provide a space where important voices, like MyLondon’s, can reach people who might otherwise remain out of touch with their mission and work.
Neither platform is going away anytime soon, I believe there is more good to…
I spent time yesterday debating shutting off my Instagram. It is the only social media I use. Watching Meta cow to the new administration is gross. What pushed me over the edge was them getting rid of their DEI program. I haven't canceled yet, like you im taking a break.