If you are reading this, it might be because you received a message from me to say that I am deleting my Facebook and Instagram accounts, and others owned by supporters of fascism, oligarchy (whatever the hell you want to call it – it’s not good!) Now I know that my neurodivergent justice meter is dialled up to 11, and it may not feel this urgent to you for now, and that’s OK. It’s just that for me, the situation is intolerable to my nervous system. This is to give you options to reach me and options for yourself if you need a plan.
I do invite you to consider joining me in deactivating and deleting Facebook, Instagram and X (definitely X!!!) You will find that the algorithm is already less in your interests. And it will only get worse. And especially if you are organising, they may not be the safest places. Removing your business will hit them in the only place that they care about! Remember on social media your attention is the product. It makes these people money. They do not need any more money.
I’ve been researching alternatives and the following is a list of where you can find me and some suggestions, if you choose to do the same, which I hope you will. Of course, this is all dynamic and changing but this is what I am doing for now.
SOCIAL MEDIA
I have moved to BLUESKY @judemills.bsky.social Please join me! Bluesky is a bit like Twitter and Threads but they are also in the process of launching a photo sharing app similar to Instagram.
I understand that you may have communities you’ve built up over time but do organise (it might take a little time) and bring them with you! Facebook is not your friend!
DISCORD is a place where groups with shared interests can share ideas and plans.
EMAIL NEWSLETTERS (Remember those?) I am subscribed to my favourite creators to keep abreast of their work. It can also be a fun and creative way to engage folk.
If you share creative content of any kind, the best place for it is on your own website – that way you own it.
MESSAGING
I will be gradually migrating to SIGNAL you can find me using the same number. Signal is end to end encrypted and does not pull metadata. The only data it takes from you is your phone number, just so that you can use the app. You can use it for text messaging, voice and video calling.
Whilst WhatsApp is end to end encrypted, it is owned by META (boooo!) and it gathers metadata.
You could still also send me an an old fashioned TEXT MESSAGE, or a letter, or a postcard. I used to love sending and receiving letters!
BROWSER/SEARCH ENGINE
You don’t have to “Google” things!
I am using DUCK DUCK GO for internet searches, and yes, you can download it to your smartphone! It is a secure browser which blocks data tracking.
This is a bit harder because my Google email address is connected to literally everything. I will gradually be migrating away from my Gmail account as executive function allows please take a note of and use this address hello@judemills.com
SHOPPING
I will be deactivating my Amazon Prime account and no longer shopping from Amazon. It might take a teeny while longer to order things from smaller businesses but Jeff Bezos doesn’t need my money! (Or yours) Shop local, shop small, shop second hand, shop sustainably, don’t buy shit you don’t need. All the things! The only positive thing about Amazon is that it is convenient.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
I like doom scrolling on Instagram because I see lots of videos about things I love: dogs, crafts, nature and sustainable living. There is a wealth of similar content on YouTube. And often creators will have a YouTube channel as well. Pinterest is also a place to see almost anything you’re interested in.
IN PERSON
Lastly, I encourage you to meet up in person with the people in your networks – when distance, accessibility and safety allow! There is nothing more uplifting and sustaining than being with people with whom you can talk, laugh and be yourself. I am always up for a catch up and a coffee. I am researching best options for video meetings, but you can do video calls on Signal.
In the meantime folks, stay safe, keep in touch, organise, resist, rest and recharge. PLEASE reach out if you need.
All love – Jude