Like many of you, I spend a lot of time online, especially in the Meta universe: Facebook, Instagram and most recently, Threads. The Threads’ blunt conversations on social issues and current events are engaging, to say the least. But these days, folks are rebelling against Meta and leaving it because Meta is disbanding its fact-checking service and content moderation. Threads rebels are emotional and disgusted. Noting that artificial intelligence could run amok, one friend said, “You’re not going to be able to trust what you see.” With Meta platforms being international, it’s not surprising that Brazil gave Meta just 72 hours to explain its fact-checking policy for the country and its plans to protect “fundamental rights.”
Going further, Meta’s Chair and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is disbanding its Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) office. One explanation was avoiding any impression of decision-making based on race or gender. But Zuckerberg’s comments go much further. He says that he’s embracing “masculine energy” as opposed to being “culturally neutered.” As a female entrepreneur and leader with decades of experience, I am speechless.
A variety of companies are choosing to go in a similar anti-DEI direction: McDonald’s, Google, Walmart, Ford, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply and Microsoft. Yes, the pressure to end DEI is fierce. But why are major companies folding under this pressure? First, some companies are trying to cut costs. Second, some are trying to appease customers and politicians. Third, some will still do DEI work, but change the language used to avoid aggressive attacks.
I like the third approach best. I have seen language change many times over decades: multicultural, diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging. None of the terms were quite able to achieve the stated goals or avoid the negativity from the status quo folks. That’s why the terminology evolves and will again. But this current situation is different. In the past, there was occasional subtlety and attempts to compromise. That’s definitely not happening now, especially over “equity.” That term is considered a call to action for implementing diversity and inclusion, and thought to be unfair to the status quo.
I’m not surprised that Meta users are looking elsewhere. The bulk of my Threads’ “let me out of here” folks are heading for the Bluesky platform. Others are joining other alternatives, even if they’re less well known. As one these people explained: