Why Birch Cove Chose to Step Back from Instagram
At Birch Cove, we prioritize what really matters - helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Recently, we made the decision to step back from Instagram. This wasn’t a snap judgment, but a conscious choice made over a long period, shaped by our values, privacy concerns, and a desire to focus on more meaningful connections. In this article, we share the reasons behind this decision and how it aligns with our commitment to accountability and real growth.
Importantly, this choice is not about being self-righteous, nor is it a judgment of those who continue to use Instagram or Meta platforms. It’s okay to choose differently. What matters most is making decisions that align with personal and business values and balanced integrity. For some, Instagram still feels supportive and aligned - and that’s valid. Everyone’s path is different.
For those of us who have worked in corporate environments or have experience navigating large systems, we understand the undercurrents that often go unseen - decisions driven by intent that may not always align with well-being or truth. And there comes a point when it’s no longer possible to keep drinking the Kool-Aid. When the dissonance becomes too loud, it becomes necessary to make a shift.
1. Corporations Are Valued, But Accountability is Key
Corporations play an essential role in the world. They are key drivers of innovation, provide necessary services, and employ millions of people globally. They make a positive difference in many cases. We believe these businesses and many of the people who work within them are incredibly valuable, hard working, ethical, and generate immense respect for their contribution to the world. That said, Corporations and the people that lead them must be held accountable for their actions - especially when those actions start negatively impacting people, society, governments and nations.
Meta, the owner of Instagram, has become increasingly difficult to support due to a leadership approach that prioritizes profit at the expense of people, culture, safety, and responsibility. Internal reports and external investigations have documented and highlighted suspected toxic leadership practices, ethical lapses, clouded judgement, conflicts of interest, paid off lobbyists, governments, executives and consultants, and a culture that impacts not only employees but society at large. Just this week, Meta again is in court with the FTC for the monopoly anti-trust case.
Many of the issues are further explored in Sarah Wynn-Williams' book Careless People, which Meta successfully suppressed with a gag order - attempting to prevent the book’s release. However, the plight backfired and the book gained significant attention and became a bestseller. Where there’s smoke, there’s often fire, or at least something very very wrong.
While we do not dismiss the importance of corporate entities, there must be a line. When leadership behaviors and decisions for the company foster harm - both internally and across society - we have the choice to respond through our own behavior changes. And for Birch Cove, that response was a conscious shift away from engaging with a platform that perpetuates those issues.
2. Social Media’s Promise vs. Reality for Small Businesses
Social media platforms are often marketed to small businesses as the key to growth. They promise connection, reach, and revenue. In reality, Instagram hasn’t provided meaningful business value to Birch Cove since 2019. It offered the illusion of reach - if enough money was spent. The algorithm is structured to prioritize content that keeps people scrolling, not necessarily content that is helpful or informative. Despite efforts to create thoughtful, relevant posts, the return has been low and inconsistent. For businesses that don't cater to trends, viral content, unsavory or inappropriate posts, or aesthetics, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle.
…. Discover the other 6 factors that influenced Birch Cove’s decision to step back from Instagram in the Birch Cove Members Area, including:
Data Privacy and Invasive Tracking
Cybersecurity Advice and Business Security
The Value of Real Connections Over Digital Trends
Time and Patience for Business Growth
Instagram Is a Time Suck
To Sum It All Up
Sources
Disclaimer: The information and services provided by Birch Cove are for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Birch Cove is not a medical provider or service and does not treat, cure, or prescribe any health or medical conditions unless otherwise stated. This content is provided for awareness and general guidance. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health needs. Birch Cove does not any hold liability for actions you or others take based on the information or services provided. If product links are included they may be affiliate links, meaning Birch Cove could receive a small commission if you make a purchase. However, there’s no obligation to use these links.
