Zuckerberg’s fact-check U-turn is sparking a social media exodus. Close-up photo of Facebook and Instagram app icons on a smartphone.
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Meta meltdown? Users around the world are pulling the plug – literally.
Instagram and Facebook’s once-glamorous glow is fast fading – and this time, it’s not just another influencer burnout. A growing number of users are giving Instagram, Facebook, and Threads the digital boot, with Google searches like “how to delete Instagram account without login” and “Facebook alternative” going through the roof.
It comes hot on the heels of a controversial decision by Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg to scrap third-party fact-checking, ease off on content moderation, and fling open the gates to more political content. Critics have slammed the move, warning it could unleash a tidal wave of misinformation and dangerous posts across Meta’s platforms.
Searches for “how to delete Facebook” skyrocket
According to TechCrunch, searches for “how to permanently delete Facebook” and “delete Threads account” surged by more than 5,000% in just a matter of days. It wasn’t a ripple – it was a digital stampede.
Users aren’t just logging out – they’re walking out.
“It’s a betrayal” – Critics slam Meta’s rollback
Zuckerberg’s rollback has reignited a fierce debate over Big Tech’s responsibility to protect public safety. After the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, Meta faced heavy fire for its failure to curb violent rhetoric. Internal leaks revealed the company could have reduced political tensions – but chose not to, in favour of keeping users hooked.
Recently, by removing fact-checking and relaxing moderation rules, Meta’s facing a fresh wave of criticism from many users who feel they’ve had enough.
Many users pull the plug on social media every summer, says VPN boss
And it’s not just political frustration driving people offline. In places like Spain, summer brings a totally different reason to pull the plug. When the sun’s out, phones tend to go off according to experts.
A new study by NordVPN has revealed a seasonal trend – Spaniards are switching off from social media as soon as summer rolls in.
Between April 2024 and May 2025, the company tracked a sharp spike in online searches like “how to delete a social media account” – with the biggest surge hitting in July.
Why the digital detox? According to Marijus Briedis, NordVPN’s Chief Technology Officer, it’s simple: In the summer, ‘people are feeling overwhelmed. They need to break free from the screens and enjoy a proper switch-off.’
Out with Meta, in with… MeWe?
But worldwide, smaller rivals are enjoying a rare moment in the spotlight. Apps like Mastodon, MeWe, and Vero are gaining traction among those looking for platforms that offer privacy, transparency, and community standards that don’t shift with political winds. While they’re still minnows compared to Meta’s giant, they offer something Zuckerberg can’t seem to guarantee anymore.
Is this the beginning of the end for Facebook and Instagram?
Probably not just yet – but the cracks are showing, and rivals are circling. If Meta doesn’t wise up, it could be logging out more users than it lets on.
Watch this space.
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Stay tuned for more news about life in Spain.
