January 2025. Let me break it down for those who may not fully grasp the changes announced this week by Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Pay close attention. Imagine you’re playing with friends at a playground. Everyone is happy and having fun until someone shows up and starts saying mean things about another kid. That hurts, right? Now imagine this happening online, where millions gather to connect. That’s essentially what’s unfolding with Meta, the company behind Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads.
Meta has updated its policies, now allowing users to post harmful comments about LGBTQ+ individuals—such as claiming they have mental issues or denying their existence—as long as these statements are framed as religious or political beliefs. Previously, such remarks were prohibited. But now, Meta has decided not to remove these comments under the guise of protecting freedom of expression.
Why Did They Do This?
Mark Zuckerberg stated that he wants people to have greater freedom to express their thoughts. He believes prior rules were overly restrictive, censoring content that shouldn’t have been. To address this, Meta revised its policies and even replaced the teams responsible for moderating online content.
Just When We Thought Things Could Improve…
It gets worse. Imagine thinking you’re on the right path only to have someone suddenly steer in the wrong direction. Instead of easing restrictions on important topics like intimate health, sexuality, or even erotic products that promote well-being and pleasure (loving is restricted!), Meta chose to open the door for hate speech against minorities (hating is allowed!). Hard to believe, isn’t it? Rather than dismantling outdated barriers that hinder education on self-esteem, self-care, and self-love, they are enabling more attacks and hatred. Sure, it’s their playground, but would you let someone harm another person in your own home?
What’s Wrong With This?
Many people are deeply concerned. Imagine someone spreading hateful remarks about you or someone you care about simply because you’re different. That can be profoundly hurtful. It’s like a playground allowing bullies to roam freely.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups argue that these policy changes make the internet a more dangerous place. While harmful comments may seem like mere opinions, words can escalate into bullying, emotional distress, and real harm.
What Happens Next?
Meta has also introduced a “community notes” feature, similar to little notes indicating whether a post is true or false. This could be helpful—but only if used fairly. And guess what? Meta relocated the moderation team overseeing this feature to Texas, a state where many hold conservative views on LGBTQ+ rights.
How Does This Affect Us?
In this digital playground, everyone should feel free to explore and connect. Yet with these new rules, many are now afraid to participate. Those of us working with sexuality, love, and erotic products continue to face barriers in this space, while hate speech gains ground.
Well, that’s my perspective. After all, the playground should be for everyone, and everyone deserves to play and have fun without fear. But moments like this make me want to step off the swing…
