Why I Can No Longer Remain on Meta’s Platforms as a Mental Health Practitioner
As a mental health practitioner, my primary responsibility is to provide ethical, safe, and effective care for those who seek support. In an increasingly digital world, social media platforms have become vital tools for education, connection, and advocacy. However, after much consideration, I have decided that I can no longer remain on Meta’s platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp). The ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and harmful effects on mental health outweigh any potential benefits.
1. The Exploitative Business Model
Meta’s platforms operate on a business model that profits from user engagement, often at the cost of mental well-being. The algorithm is designed to maximise screen time by promoting emotionally charged content—whether positive or negative. Studies have shown that social media addiction, anxiety, and depression are exacerbated by these tactics, particularly among vulnerable populations. As a mental health professional, I cannot in good conscience contribute to a system that prioritises profit over well-being.
2. Privacy Concerns and Data Misuse
Confidentiality and trust are the cornerstones of mental health practice. Yet, Meta has a history of unethical data practices, including:
• The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was harvested for political purposes.
• Surveillance advertising, which tracks user behaviour to sell targeted ads, often preying on insecurities.
• Potential breaches of sensitive conversations, especially concerning mental health discussions on private messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
Even with encrypted messages, metadata (who you talk to, when, and how often) is collected and monetised. For individuals seeking mental health support, this is an unacceptable risk.
3. The Rise of Harmful Misinformation
Meta has consistently failed to regulate misinformation—whether it’s mental health myths, pseudoscience, or harmful wellness trends. This is particularly dangerous in the mental health field, where misleading information can lead to harmful self-diagnosis, stigma, or even deter people from seeking professional help. The spread of conspiracy theories about therapy, medication, and mental illness only makes it harder for professionals to foster trust in evidence-based treatment.
4. The Impact on Mental Health
Several studies have linked excessive social media use to:
• Increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly in young users.
• Body image issues, exacerbated by curated, unrealistic portrayals of life.
• Cyberbullying, harassment, and online toxicity, which can have real-world mental health consequences.
While social media has its benefits, the harm it causes often outweighs them. As someone who encourages healthy digital boundaries for clients, I must also practise what I preach.
5. The Ethical Dilemma of Engagement
By remaining on Meta’s platforms, I would be implicitly endorsing a system that contradicts my professional values. Mental health advocacy cannot coexist with platforms that manipulate emotions, exploit vulnerabilities, and compromise user privacy. If I encourage clients to limit social media use for their well-being, I must also set an example by stepping away myself.
What Comes Next?
Leaving Meta does not mean disconnecting from the digital world altogether. There are alternative platforms that respect privacy and foster healthier engagement, including:
• Ethical social media alternatives (Mastodon, Bluesky, or private forums).
• Direct engagement through blogs, newsletters, and personal websites.
• Privacy-conscious messaging apps (I am now on Signal).
Ultimately, my goal remains the same: to support mental health, advocate for ethical practices, and promote well-being. But I can no longer do so on platforms that undermine these values.
For those who choose to stay, I encourage mindful social media use, digital literacy, and critical engagement. For those considering leaving, know that stepping away is an act of self-care and integrity.
The conversation about mental health and technology is ongoing, but for me, this is the next step in aligning my practice with my principles.Why I Can No Longer Remain on Meta’s Platforms as a Mental Health Practitioner
As a mental health practitioner, my primary responsibility is to provide ethical, safe, and effective care for those who seek support. In an increasingly digital world, social media platforms have become vital tools for education, connection, and advocacy. However, after much consideration, I have decided that I can no longer remain on Meta’s platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp). The ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and harmful effects on mental health outweigh any potential benefits.
1. The Exploitative Business Model
Meta’s platforms operate on a business model that profits from user engagement, often at the cost of mental well-being. The algorithm is designed to maximise screen time by promoting emotionally charged content—whether positive or negative. Studies have shown that social media addiction, anxiety, and depression are exacerbated by these tactics, particularly among vulnerable populations. As a mental health professional, I cannot in good conscience contribute to a system that prioritises profit over well-being.
2. Privacy Concerns and Data Misuse
Confidentiality and trust are the cornerstones of mental health practice. Yet, Meta has a history of unethical data practices, including:
• The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was harvested for political purposes.
• Surveillance advertising, which tracks user behaviour to sell targeted ads, often preying on insecurities.
• Potential breaches of sensitive conversations, especially concerning mental health discussions on private messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
Even with encrypted messages, metadata (who you talk to, when, and how often) is collected and monetised. For individuals seeking mental health support, this is an unacceptable risk.
3. The Rise of Harmful Misinformation
Meta has consistently failed to regulate misinformation—whether it’s mental health myths, pseudoscience, or harmful wellness trends. This is particularly dangerous in the mental health field, where misleading information can lead to harmful self-diagnosis, stigma, or even deter people from seeking professional help. The spread of conspiracy theories about therapy, medication, and mental illness only makes it harder for professionals to foster trust in evidence-based treatment.
4. The Impact on Mental Health
Several studies have linked excessive social media use to:
• Increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly in young users.
• Body image issues, exacerbated by curated, unrealistic portrayals of life.
• Cyberbullying, harassment, and online toxicity, which can have real-world mental health consequences.
While social media has its benefits, the harm it causes often outweighs them. As someone who encourages healthy digital boundaries for clients, I must also practise what I preach.
5. The Ethical Dilemma of Engagement
By remaining on Meta’s platforms, I would be implicitly endorsing a system that contradicts my professional values. Mental health advocacy cannot coexist with platforms that manipulate emotions, exploit vulnerabilities, and compromise user privacy. If I encourage clients to limit social media use for their well-being, I must also set an example by stepping away myself.
What Comes Next?
Leaving Meta does not mean disconnecting from the digital world altogether. There are alternative platforms that respect privacy and foster healthier engagement, including:
• Ethical social media alternatives (Mastodon, Bluesky, or private forums).
• Direct engagement through blogs, newsletters, and personal websites.
• Privacy-conscious messaging apps (Signal, Element).
Ultimately, my goal remains the same: to support mental health, advocate for ethical practices, and promote well-being. But I can no longer do so on platforms that undermine these values.
For those who choose to stay, I encourage mindful social media use, digital literacy, and critical engagement. For those considering leaving, know that stepping away is an act of self-care and integrity.
The conversation about mental health and technology is ongoing, but for me, this is the next step in aligning my practice with my values.