50/50 Leadership’s Response to Meta
In light of Meta’s recent policy changes and the concerning statements made by its leadership, 50/50 Leadership feels compelled to respond to the implications of these decisions for gender equity, inclusivity, and the future of social media. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering equitable leadership and ensuring safe, inclusive spaces for all. In this blog, we discuss the changes made to Meta’s moderation systems, address the comments and moves made by the Founder and CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, and explain our intentions with the social media platform moving forward.
Meta has undergone several changes in the last few months that have resulted in questions regarding its commitment to gender inclusivity and equity. The company’s recent “anti-censorship” moderation strategy overhaul involves:
Increasing use of AI to moderate content
Changing third-party fact-checking to a "Community Notes" system
Removing regulations on issues like immigration and gender
Moving the trust and safety team from California to Texas
Bringing certain types of political content back to users
(Source: Meta Newsroom).
In reference to “sex- or gender-exclusive language,” such as “discussing access to spaces often limited by sex or gender,” “cal[ing]l for exclusion or us[ing] insulting language in the context of discussing political or religious topics, such as when discussing transgender rights, immigration, or homosexuality,” or “cursing at a gender in the context of a romantic break-up,” the current Meta moderation policy is “designed to allow room for these types of speech,” where they were previously not allowed (Source: Meta Transparency Center).
Moreover, Meta Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has made public statements and decisions that have caused controversy. Mark Zuckerberg’s recent comments on corporate culture, including his suggestions that “masculine energy” has been “neutered” by modern society and that “aggression” should have more of a place in corporate culture, have sparked significant backlash. These statements, coupled with the addition of three more men to Meta’s Board (now 10 men and 3 women), raise concerns about the company’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of leadership.
While some users have celebrated Meta’s recent moves, other users have left Meta and other platforms in protest of Meta’s strategic changes and Zuckerberg’s assertions about corporate culture. Meta’s policy changes and leadership decisions have alienated many users, particularly those from marginalized communities. Melissa van Ruiten, a photographer who previously ran business pages on Meta, says that “as a queer person, I no longer feel safe using Meta’s platforms.” She references the company’s “sharp turn toward hostility and exclusion, removing critical safeguards and dismantling diversity initiatives” as reasons for leaving (Source: Melissa van Ruiten Photography).
50/50 Leadership remains unwavering in our mission to promote gender equity in leadership. While we will no longer directly support Meta through digital advertising campaigns, we will continue to use Instagram and Facebook posts to amplify female voices, advocate for inclusive leadership, and provide resources for financial literacy, mentorship, and professional growth. We believe in the power of community, and we will work to ensure that our presence on these platforms fosters connection, trust, and progress.
