Things change, but not always for the better

When I joined FaceBook nearly eleven years ago, the platform was a great way to interact with family and friends. I especially enjoyed connecting with people from my distant past, as well as with those who lived in distant places. In those early days, most posts were about what’s for dinner, the antics of children and pets, vacations, and pics of the family.

Today, FaceBook is very different. One can still find the great benefits mentioned above, but there’s more – much more! Advertising, and plenty of it. Also, my news feed is filled with all kinds of articles on a variety of topics that FaceBook has determined through algorithms that I likely will take the time to read.

FaceBook makes money through its account holders – but privacy is the bigger issue!

So, the FaceBook of my early days has become a money-maker. You and I, through our posts, our likes, our connections to various organizations, and our personal profile (information that we voluntarily provide), all allow FaceBook to tailor carefully targeted advertising to you and to me.

I don’t mind this in principle and I did choose to allow it. But, while I think the amount of advertising is overmuch, there is a deeper issue to consider.

The information we provide (some of it quite personal), including every photo you have ever posted is retained permanently as they build your profile. Check the user policy you signed – read it – and think a bit. Next, ask yourself if you really want a social media platform to know you even better than some of your own family members. Then ask yourself, what can they (what will they) do with this information in the future?

This is one of the lesser reasons for my soon departure. And yet I realize… just because I delete my account does not mean they delete my personal information… for that information my friends… is retained permanently!

Find me on MeWe (Jeff Michaels) and my web site: JeffMichaels.org

© Jeffery J. Michaels / Plain English Publications 2021
(Quotations allowed with attribution to this blog)

2 thoughts on “Things change, but not always for the better”

  1. What about messenger on their platform? I want to get rid of FB but I like messenger, so that keeps me on it. UGH However, if you want to delete your account it does give you two options: to delete your account or you can just keep messenger. Do you think they eavesdrop on that at all? I mean, they aleady have our information…can anything bad happen from personal messages? What is your take on that?

    1. Hi Judy – Admittedly, this is a tough call and in many cases, the call is for sacrifice. For me, I will lose much of my blog readership, as well as contact with people I care about. And I understand the arguments about departure: “A conservative voice will be lost.” For me, I have come to the conclusion that I need to take a stand and cut the ties. There are alternatives and while it will take time to build a friend list, I need to take a stand. As for your question, I believe FaceBook saves every click we make and they use it for their financial advantage. May the Lord guide you to the right decision and if you choose to stay on FaceBook, then you will be a voice of reason in the midst of confusion, lies and censorship. My only suggestion is perhaps you can start a MeWe account and build it while you maintain your FaceBook page. Get connections and – again – the Lord will lead you along the way. If you decide to open a MeWe account, be sure to look for Dee and me. I am ‘Jeff Michaels’ and I use a pic of Dee and me. Dee has a picture of our Basset Hounds. By the way, Laramie and Kelsie are great voices for reason and for goodness. I hope to connect with them along the way! Thanks for the many years of friendship we have enjoyed with you and Mark! Jeff

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