Meta is planning to reduce fact-checking and moderation on its platforms, all in the name of free speech and expression. Now, while this might sound great on the surface, there are some serious implications—both good and bad—that you need to know about.
Let’s break it down.
NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES
1️⃣ More Disinformation – With less fact-checking, we could see a rise in misleading news, deepfakes, and conspiracy theories, making it harder than ever to separate truth from fiction.
2️⃣ Increase in Hate Speech & Toxic Content – X has already shown that when you dial back moderation, hate speech, harassment, and harmful content go up. This could create a more hostile online environment.
3️⃣ Brand Safety Risks – For businesses, influencers, and content creators, this lack of moderation might mean your ads or content could be placed next to controversial or offensive material, damaging your reputation.
POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES
1️⃣ More Free Speech & Expression – Users will have fewer restrictions on what they can post, which means more diverse perspectives and less censorship from centralized fact-checkers.
2️⃣ More Engagement & Debate – With fewer content limitations, conversations might become more dynamic, allowing users to engage in open discussions—even on controversial topics.
3️⃣ Less Shadowbanning & Algorithmic Suppression – If you’ve ever felt like your content wasn’t reaching people because of hidden moderation rules, this change could mean a fairer playing field for creators.
HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR CONTENT REACHES THE RIGHT AUDIENCE & HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT
1️⃣ Verify Before You Share – With fact-checking being reduced, it’s on us to make sure what we post is accurate and credible. Always check multiple sources before spreading information.
2️⃣ Engage in Positive Conversations – With a potential rise in hate speech, stand out by leading meaningful discussions. Avoid toxic debates and focus on building a community around your content.
3️⃣ Adapt Your Strategy for Visibility – The algorithms may shift, so experiment with different types of content (video, carousels, text posts) to see what resonates best. Also, keep an eye on Meta’s updates to stay ahead of the changes.
At the end of the day, these changes are coming, whether we like them or not. What matters is how we use these platforms to create impact, build brands, and share valuable ideas.
What do you think? Will these changes make Meta better or worse? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to follow How to Make it in Toronto for more insights.
