strategies to
free yourself
from meta
welcome to
the union
of users.
what happens moving forward is up to us.
We can become a union of users that say enough is enough, we do not accept these terms and conditions.
We can become a union of users that demands social media and an internet at large that is by us and for us.
Remember, Meta needs us using these apps to sell ads and keep their company “profitable”
We do have power, we can stop being daily active users which will have a direct impact on their bottom line.
ok, I’m in. So… What are my options?
The first option is to no longer be a daily active user, and the second is leaving Meta.
how do i stop being a daily active user?
Simply attempt to cut back in every possible way you can.
Text friends and commit to phone calls, video chats, or in person hang outs
Try setting a date and time on your calendar to check in with these apps intentionally
Change the location of these apps to be less central on your home screen
Commit to only checking in on your computer
Challenge yourself to delete these apps for one week, see what the benefits are for you.
Be gentle with yourself, this process is hard, and I don’t expect anyone to be perfect by any means. Every little bit you cut back counts.
what is a daily active user?
The metric called DAU or daily active users is used by shareholders and the powers that be within the stonk market to determine the value of an app or social media company. This number answers a very important question for advertisers about potential revenue. In order for an app to have big value to investors, it has to show that big number of users show up and interact with an app at least once a day.
here are some questions to ask yourself
What would it mean for me to delete this app? What would I actually lose?
What would it mean for me to set strict limits or rules around these apps that force me to use them less?
How can I reward myself for using these apps less?
Is there something I would rather be doing, that I have been avoiding by using these apps?
Is there anything else i can do?
There was also a fun call out by John Oliver. His suggestion was to mess around with your advertiser settings as an act of rebellion. This will make you less profitable as a user. Do this too using this link.
should i delete my profiles?
I am not calling for people to delete their profiles for good. If you can do this and you wanna download all your data and leave for good, awesome. But know, that nucelar option isn’t viable yet for most people. Your particular version of this will be unique to you
what the hell do i do with my hands?!
When you stop using Meta apps, you’ll find yourself wanting to reach for something. Pick up a fidget toy, bubble wrap, silly putty, or my favorite: knitting. I cannot stop knitting! Let yourself fidget, you’ll need some sort of replacement for constantly moving your thumb up and down.
should I change my phone?
Sure! If you still feel drawn to your phone replace the old Meta app location with something you’d RATHER be doing. Something like a library book app such as Libby or a language learning app. Something to give your brain good, intentional, human inputs.
embrace your inner creative.
I want you to try being creative, but that sounds like the most intimidating and shame-inducing thing for most people. I get it, you can “only draw a stick figure” but I believe in you and your inner kid.
i already feel so lonely...
Now is the time to seek out creative community and attend events you otherwise wouldnt. Go to a local hiking club, nearby knitting club, find out what events are happening at your local maker space, or just create events with your friends by meeting up at your home or a patio. just MAKE.
looking for
an alternative
to meta?
Join me on Discord for free Creativity Clubs & start a conversation
