Dear Mark: We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Dear Mark,

It’s over. We had our time—Facebook, Instagram, Threads—but I can’t keep pretending this is working. Like an abused woman, it takes awhile to let go of something really bad for me that turned into an addiction. I know you’ll probably hit me with a notification or two, remind me of “memories” from a decade ago, or try to hook me with a Reel. But let me be clear: we are never, ever getting back together.

I’m moving my curated news feed to Blue Sky. Twenty something millions have joined me and that’s only since the election. More on that later. Back to abusive you.

It’s Not Me, It’s You

Here’s the thing: you’ve spent years perfecting the art of keeping me hooked. Algorithms that know me better than I know myself, endless feeds of ads disguised as posts, and a constant push to “engage” with content that’s often more toxic than inspiring. You turned what could have been a tool for connection into a machine for profit.

But it’s not just the algorithms. Mark, let’s be honest—you’ve been gaslighting us all. You keep insisting your platforms are about “connection” and “community,” yet every design choice you make says otherwise. You say you’re protecting our privacy while quietly harvesting our data. You claim to value meaningful interactions, but then you serve up rage-bait content and push us into echo chambers.

And then there’s Sheryl Sandberg and her crusade against George Soros, to name just one dark moment. Let’s not pretend that didn’t happen.

The Soros Smear Campaign

It all started after George Soros gave a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2018, where he sharply criticized the unchecked power of tech giants, including Facebook. He called out your platform specifically, describing it as a threat to democracy.

Instead of addressing those valid criticisms, Sheryl Sandberg—your COO at the time—responded with something much darker. Reports later revealed that Sheryl directed her team to go after Soros, orchestrating a campaign to undermine his credibility and paint him as the enemy. This wasn’t just corporate defense; it was a full-blown smear campaign.

Sheryl’s team worked with outside consultants to link Soros to movements critical of Facebook, fanning the flames of conspiracy theories and anti-Semitism. The goal? To shift the spotlight away from your platform’s role in spreading disinformation and undermine Soros’s calls for accountability.

This wasn’t just unethical; it was dangerous. By targeting Soros, Facebook didn’t just protect its interests—it weaponized its platform to spread division and hatred, all while claiming to be about “community.”

Let’s Talk About Ownership

I know you love to remind me that your platforms are “free.” But we both know the cost is my data, my time, and my sanity. And who owns all of it? You, Mark. Your endless empire of surveillance and profit.

Blue Sky is different. It was created by Jack Dorsey—yes, the same Jack who co-founded Twitter—but it’s not some corporate behemoth trying to squeeze every dollar out of its users. It’s run by a small, independent team that’s committed to decentralization and transparency.

This means Blue Sky isn’t controlled by a single entity, and it can’t be bought or manipulated the way your platforms can. It’s like moving out of a corporate-owned apartment into a co-op: safer, freer, and way less likely to sell my personal information to the highest bidder.

News Without the Noise

One of the reasons I stuck around your platforms for so long was for the news. I wanted to stay informed, and curated my own news feed from journalists I respected who posted their articles on your platforms. But your algorithm kept throwing me into echo chambers and rage spirals. I don’t need that kind of emotional manipulation.

On Blue Sky, I’m building a curated feed of journalists, experts, and thinkers I trust. There’s no algorithm deciding who gets to shout the loudest—it’s all up to me. It’s like a breath of fresh air after years of suffocating in the fog of misinformation.

Time to Move On

Mark, I know you’ll say you’re changing. You’ll promise new features, better algorithms, maybe even less intrusive ads. But I’ve heard it all before. It’s time to let go.

Blue Sky isn’t perfect, but it’s a place where I can connect without feeling exploited. It’s a place where I can focus on what matters—real conversations, trusted news, and a little less screen time. And, I will be vigilant in watching it evolve to make sure it keeps its origins intact.

So, we are done. Good riddance. I leave you with what Taylor once said: You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me. But we are never, ever, ever getting back together.

Sincerely,

Christine Merser