Is Social Media in Trouble in Washington, D.C.?

Last week, the heads of Facebook, Twitter, and Google were in the hot seat, virtually but that doesn’t mean it was any easier, in front of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C..

I avoid politics, religion, and sports in this blog but this is different and could affect all of us. 

Let’s talk about that.

The Pandemic of 2020 (I guess we should now say “and 2021” too) has given rise to many regrets in myself.

One that’ll be at the top of my list is not seeing the fearless leaders of Facebook, Twitter, and Google actually sitting down and squirming in front of the Congressional committee. 

Like would Jack Dorsey really have tweeted surreptitiously while sitting there physically?

But, I digress.

The Federal government talks about monopolies and prosecutes companies all the time for unfair business practices.

But, to go after an entire industry, in this case Big Tech and social media in particular, now, that’s really something.

History is full of examples, typically dictators (You know corporate CEO types), who woke up one day to find everyone and their brother and sister lined up against them.

Let’s just say that it usually doesn’t end well for them. 

That’s what Big Tech is facing now in U.S. Capitol. 

You have to have a lot of talent to somehow manage to get both political parties pulling in the same direction against you down there these days. 

Somehow, Big Tech has managed to do that and politicians are talking break-up.

Now, Zuckerberg may think he’s cute wrapping his company together so tightly that no prudent person would ever try to break it up.

Well, the joke’s on him because whoever said politicians are prudent? 

My advice to the three CEO’s is that if they want to keep their jobs, they’d better start thinking of some way to calm these Luddites in pinstriped suits down and fast.

What about the rest of us, what does this mean for us?

I have no idea!

What I do know is that those business models which we’ve carefully built up around these companies could come crashing down about us.

As I’ve blogged before, don’t become overly reliant on any one social media channel.

Have your own blog and email list.

No one can take those away from you.

Whatever happens down in Washington, there’ll be new opportunities as well as challenges.

Be ready!

That’s it for now!

Please check out my 8 step approach for developing a social media program for more ideas on how to use social media.

Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself! In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog.

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have. I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

And, remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me. Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.

I can also be reached at conpsweeney@someddi.com.

My Twitter handle is @conpsweeney.

Stay well!