
Sex, Lies and Meta: What Happens in the No Moderation World of META?
Jan 14
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Oakridge Leaders and the New Changes at Facebook and Instagram
“The recent changes implemented by Facebook and Instagram have once again reshaped the digital landscape,” says Ryan Abramson at Oakridge Leaders. “It is affecting how businesses, content creators, and users engage with these platforms.” As two of the most dominant players in the social media ecosystem, their updates have profound ripple effects across industries, influencing marketing strategies, content distribution, and user experiences. Will this all lead to sexual exploitation? Objectionable content? A hornets nest academic misconduct and false information. The simple answer is probably not. Like all things, eventually people will figure out the truth and fiction.

Meta Shifting Landscape: Key Changes in Facebook and Instagram
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, frequently updates its platforms to stay ahead of trends, improve user experience, and maintain competitiveness. Recent updates, however, have placed a stronger emphasis on video content, AI-driven recommendations, and monetization tools for creators. Below are the most notable changes:
Increased Focus on Reels and Short-Form Video Both Facebook and Instagram have heavily prioritized Reels, their short-form video feature designed to compete with TikTok. Algorithmic changes now boost the visibility of Reels, encouraging businesses and creators to pivot toward producing quick, engaging videos.
AI-Powered Content Discovery Meta has enhanced its AI recommendation engine, making it easier for users to discover new content. While this increases opportunities for creators to reach new audiences, it also diminishes organic reach for traditional posts, forcing brands to adjust their strategies.
E-Commerce Integration Instagram’s Shopping feature has evolved, allowing businesses to tag products in posts, Reels, and Stories. Facebook has followed suit with its Marketplace enhancements, creating more seamless shopping experiences for consumers.
Privacy Updates and Targeted Advertising Restrictions In response to global privacy concerns and regulations, Meta has implemented changes to its ad-targeting capabilities, reducing the granularity of demographic and interest-based targeting. “This poses challenges for advertisers relying on highly specific audience segmentation.” Oakridge Leaders suggests. “This does not even cover the sexual exploitation, misconduct and online assaults with little or no oversight.”
Subscription and Monetization Tools for Creators Both platforms have made assessments and introduced new monetization features, including subscriptions for exclusive content, tipping options, and ad-revenue sharing for Reels. These tools aim to support creators while encouraging them to remain active on Meta’s platforms.
Shift Toward Messaging and Communities With younger audiences increasingly favoring private and group-based interactions, Meta has prioritized tools that support direct messaging and community engagement, such as enhanced group features and cross-platform messaging between Facebook and Instagram.
The Impact on Businesses: Challenges in Adapting to Video-Centric Algorithms
Ryan Abramson said, “Businesses accustomed to static posts or image-based content now face an uphill battle in capturing audience attention.” The emphasis on Reels means companies must invest more resources in video production, editing, and creative storytelling — a significant shift for brands with limited budgets or expertise in this medium.
Reduced Organic Reach and Increased Ad Spend
It is not all sex, lies and rock and roll! The AI-driven recommendation engine, while expanding audience exposure, has also reduced the organic reach of posts from business accounts. As a result, companies must rely more heavily on paid advertising to maintain visibility, driving up marketing costs and competition for ad space.
E-Commerce Opportunities and Challenges
The enhanced shopping features provide new avenues for businesses to drive sales directly through the platforms. However, small businesses may struggle to compete with larger brands that have the resources to optimize their e-commerce strategies and ad campaigns.
Navigating Privacy-Driven Advertising Limitations
The restrictions on targeted advertising pose challenges for marketers who previously relied on detailed audience insights to craft personalized campaigns. Abramson notes, “Brands must now focus on broader messaging and explore alternative targeting strategies, such as lookalike audiences and contextual advertising.” There will always be a possibility of abuse, but in general, content will likely not offend.
Creators: The Winners and Losers: Opportunities for Monetization
The introduction of subscriptions, tipping, and ad-revenue sharing has opened new revenue streams for creators. This shift empowers individuals to monetize their content directly, fostering a sense of ownership and financial independence.
Pressure to Adapt to Trends
Creators must constantly evolve to meet platform demands, prioritizing Reels and AI-recommended content to stay relevant. Oakridge Leaders Abramson says, “While this creates opportunities for growth, it also increases the pressure to produce high-quality, engaging videos consistently.”
Community Building and Authentic Engagement
The focus on messaging and communities aligns with creators who value authentic connections with their followers. By leveraging tools like group chats and exclusive content, creators can deepen their relationships with their audience while maintaining a loyal fan base.
Consumer Experience: The Good and the Bad Enhanced Content Discovery
The AI recommendation engine helps users discover new creators, products, and communities tailored to their interests. This feature enriches the user experience by providing a steady stream of engaging, relevant content.
Ad Saturation and Reduced Organic Content
As businesses increase their reliance on paid advertising, users may feel overwhelmed by the volume of sponsored posts. This could lead to “ad fatigue,” diminishing the overall enjoyment of the platforms. Overtly sexual ads or ads that diminish respect or marginalize populations could certainly become a concern.
Privacy Concerns and Data Usage
Meta’s ongoing changes to privacy and data usage practices have sparked debates among users about the balance between personalized experiences and data security. While some appreciate the transparency, others remain skeptical about how their data is being utilized.
Leadership Insights: Navigating the Changes Positively and Authentically
As Ryan Abramson emphasizes in his work on authentic and positiveleadership, these changes call for thoughtful adaptation and genuine engagement. Businesses and creators alike must prioritize authenticity to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Key Strategies for Success
Invest in Video Content Oakridge Leaders Pro Tip: Embrace the shift toward video by developing a consistent content strategy centered on Reels. Authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes glimpses can resonate deeply with audiences.
Build Community Connections Use messaging tools and group features to foster meaningful relationships with followers. Authentic interactions can help build trust and loyalty, offsetting the challenges of reduced organic reach.
Embrace Data-Driven Creativity Leverage analytics to identify trends and optimize content performance. Combining creativity with data insights ensures a more effective approach to audience engagement.
Adapt to Privacy Changes Proactively Stay informed about privacy regulations and adjust targeting strategies accordingly. Transparency in data usage and respect for user privacy can also enhance brand reputation.
Prioritize Inclusivity and Representation As platforms evolve, ensure that content reflects diverse perspectives and promotes inclusivity. Authentic representation resonates with audiences and reinforces positive brand values.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Facebook and Instagram
The evolution of Facebook and Instagram is far from over. As Meta continues to innovate and adapt to changing user behaviors, businesses and creators must remain agile, embracing new tools and strategies to thrive in this dynamic environment.
While challenges abound, the opportunities for growth and engagement are equally significant. By staying authentic, positive, and forward-thinking, stakeholders can navigate these changes successfully and maintain meaningful connections with their audiences. As Oakridge Leaders’ Ryan Abramson’s approach to leadership suggests, embracing change with creativity and authenticity is the key to long-term success in any arena.
Who is Ryan Abramson?
After leaving his position in school marketing in April 2024, Ryan Abramson transitioned to focusing on his consulting firm, Oakridge Leaders, which he had established in 2001. As the Principal and Marketing and Communications Consultant, Ryan dedicated his expertise to helping businesses and individuals craft authentic narratives and develop impactful marketing strategies. Leveraging his extensive experience in strategic communications, he specialized in market analysis, content creation, and brand development, while mentoring professionals in public speaking, video production, and leadership skills. Ryan also expanded his professional reach by coaching organizations on ESG, CSR, and DEI initiatives, and providing strategic support for diverse clients in Bucks County and the Philadelphia area. Beyond his consulting work, Ryan continued to contribute to his community through volunteer roles, while pursuing his passions for travel, fine dining, and authentic storytelling.