In the midst of the social media landscape dominated by giants like Facebook, my recent journey to reclaim online freedom has been an eye-opening experience. As I made the decision to part ways with Facebook, I couldn't shake the growing discomfort of realizing how much of my personal data was being meticulously tracked and exploited. It wasn't just about leaving; it was about breaking free from the constant surveillance that had become an intrinsic part of the platform.

What heightened my unease was the immediate and suspicious suspension of my Facebook account the moment I announced my intention to leave the platform. It was as if Facebook, unwilling to let go, swiftly wielded its power to quash any attempt at severing ties. This incident shed light on the unsettling reality of how little control we have over our personal information in the vast landscape of "Big Tech" social media. Not only was my personal account suspended, but my photography Facebook page, and Facebook pages for a couple of nonprofits I run, were left abandoned in the digital ether without an admin.

Facebook sent me an email that they would allow me back on if I sent them a copy of my photo ID. I promptly replied back with, "Fuck you." I had been on the platform for many years, and they had never asked for proof of my identity until I posted that I would eventually be leaving them.

Reflecting on these experiences, I've been prompted to consider a return to the simplicity of the early internet—a time when personal websites were our digital identity, and decentralized networks like web rings provided a sense of community without sacrificing privacy. Before the era of centralized platforms, forums and IRC were the heartbeat of online interaction, allowing like-minded individuals to connect authentically.

In my quest to reclaim agency, I've begun rebuilding my own digital sanctuary. My personal website, online forums, Matrix chat rooms, good ol' fashioned email, and new offerings on the Fediverse offer me the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences on my own terms, free from the algorithms designed to keep users perpetually engaged. Breaking free from Facebook isn't merely a choice; it's a personal stand against the erosion of online privacy.

As I navigate this transition, I'm fueled by the vision of a more private, community-driven web—one that prioritizes individual freedom over corporate interests. The suspension incident serves as a poignant reminder of why this journey matters. It's about taking control of my online presence, embracing the simplicity of the past, and actively shaping the kind of digital space I want to inhabit. I invite you to join me on this quest to rediscover online freedom, one step at a time.

In the midst of the social media landscape dominated by giants like Facebook, my recent journey to reclaim online freedom has been an eye-opening experience. As I made the decision to part ways with Facebook, I couldn't shake the growing discomfort of realizing how much of my personal data was being meticulously tracked and exploited. It wasn't just about leaving; it was about breaking free from the constant surveillance that had become an intrinsic part of the platform.

What heightened my unease was the immediate and suspicious suspension of my Facebook account the moment I announced my intention to leave the platform. It was as if Facebook, unwilling to let go, swiftly wielded its power to quash any attempt at severing ties. This incident shed light on the unsettling reality of how little control we have over our personal information in the vast landscape of "Big Tech" social media. Not only was my personal account suspended, but my photography Facebook page, and Facebook pages for a couple of nonprofits I run, were left abandoned in the digital ether without an admin.

Facebook sent me an email that they would allow me back on if I sent them a copy of my photo ID. I promptly replied back with, "Fuck you." I had been on the platform for many years, and they had never asked for proof of my identity until I posted that I would eventually be leaving them.

Reflecting on these experiences, I've been prompted to consider a return to the simplicity of the early internet—a time when personal websites were our digital identity, and decentralized networks like web rings provided a sense of community without sacrificing privacy. Before the era of centralized platforms, forums and IRC were the heartbeat of online interaction, allowing like-minded individuals to connect authentically.

In my quest to reclaim agency, I've begun rebuilding my own digital sanctuary. My personal website, online forums, Matrix chat rooms, good ol' fashioned email, and new offerings on the Fediverse offer me the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences on my own terms, free from the algorithms designed to keep users perpetually engaged. Breaking free from Facebook isn't merely a choice; it's a personal stand against the erosion of online privacy.

As I navigate this transition, I'm fueled by the vision of a more private, community-driven web—one that prioritizes individual freedom over corporate interests. The suspension incident serves as a poignant reminder of why this journey matters. It's about taking control of my online presence, embracing the simplicity of the past, and actively shaping the kind of digital space I want to inhabit. I invite you to join me on this quest to rediscover online freedom, one step at a time.

-Ray