Worldwide protest: A week without Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp!

Worldwide protest: A week without Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp!

Users worldwide are calling for a week-long boycott of Meta social media. The boycott of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp will take place from May 5th to 11th, 2025, with millions of users being urged to avoid these platforms during this time. The call for this action is spreading mainly through alternative platforms such as TikTok, Reddit and Bluesky, indicating broad support in the community.

The boycott has its origins in serious allegations against Meta, the company behind these platforms. Critics accuse Meta of taking a right-wing course and abandoning fact checks in its services. This development brings important issues such as transparency, responsibility and the protection of minorities into public awareness. The boycott also represents a protest against violations of fundamental values, particularly with regard to inclusion and the protection of marginalized groups.

Goals and expectations of the boycott

The declared aim of the protest is to send a signal against Meta's current company policy. Participants are asked not to post, not to send messages and to avoid the platforms as much as possible. It remains unclear whether this boycott will have a noticeable impact on Meta's business. The “Mimikama” platform has also spoken out to provide information about the background to the boycott, but emphasizes that its task is to educate and not political activism.

Various experts and activists discuss the impact of such a boycott on online marketing. An email query about online marketing decision-making shows that companies and individuals are questioning Netflix, Pinterest or WhatsApp as a means of communication. The discussion about alternatives such as Ecosia or DuckDuckGo, which differentiate themselves from Google, shows the breadth of considerations triggered by the boycott.

Online marketing is changing

The current situation also has an impact on the online marketing strategy of many companies. While the use of social media has grown exponentially in recent years, many companies now see an opportunity to rethink their marketing strategies and consider alternative methods. Offline marketing is discussed, but the question arises to what extent it can compete with today's digital possibilities. One note regarding the importance of online marketing remains: for many, it remains essential.

A rethink is taking place in many places. Some users report a positive change due to less pressure from social media and a greater focus on their own, independent communication channels, such as websites, blogs or podcasts. Alternatives for communities and messenger apps such as MightyNetworks or Skool are becoming increasingly popular and offer opportunities for better networking.

The upcoming boycott is not only a reaction to current grievances, but also part of a larger change in the way users and companies deal with social media. The protest could potentially have far-reaching consequences for Meta and the entire digital landscape.

Further information can be found at 5min.at, lillikoisser.at and marketinginstitut.biz.