AI In Law – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Why Mitch Jackson Deleted His Accounts on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and TikTok
Date: January 28, 2025
Host: Mitch Jackson
Podcast Context: A concise, five-minute breakdown on a pivotal personal and professional decision impacting the intersection of law, technology, ethics, and social media.

Episode Overview

This episode explores why acclaimed lawyer and entrepreneur Mitch Jackson decided to delete his accounts on major social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. As someone renowned for mastering digital presence and advocating for social engagement in the legal field, his move is a striking statement on platform responsibility, personal values, and the future of professional networking.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Mitch Jackson’s Social Media Legacy

• Jackson is described as a "big lawyer" (00:07), a bestselling author on social media, and someone with a "huge following online" (00:10).
• Hosts set the stakes: "He even wrote that best selling...book on social media. All about how to use it effectively." (00:15–00:16).

The Decision: Deleting Major Social Accounts

• Jackson is deleting all his profiles on the largest platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, and TikTok (00:23–00:31).
• This act is framed as a clear statement, not a passing digital detox (00:34).

Reasons Behind the Move

Critique of Social Media Platforms

• Misinformation: Jackson believes these platforms are "spreading a lot of misinformation," including conspiracy theories (00:42–00:47).
• Harm to Society: His concern transcends personal preference; he sees their operations as "bad for society" (00:52).
• Profit Over Principles: He criticizes the companies for caring "more about making money than being truthful or accountable" (01:03–01:09).

Alignment and Political Implications

• Jackson points to platforms’ "alignment with the Trump administration" as indicative of their values (01:10–01:16).
• Distinction is drawn between platforms that simply donate politically (e.g., Google) and those that actively "create an environment that hurts democracy" (01:25–01:28).

The Positive Path Forward

Where Jackson Will Be Online

• Jackson is not going fully offline; he’s focusing his presence on LinkedIn and Blue Sky (01:38–01:43).
• He believes these platforms are "more positive and constructive spaces" (01:44).

Values-Driven Decision

• Jackson wants to "support platforms that align with his values" (01:49), centering on honesty, transparency, kindness, and compassion (02:12).

Reflections and Call to Action

Reclaiming Attention and Leadership

• Deleting was "easy", and Jackson challenges listeners to reconsider why we "give these platforms so much power" (01:54–02:07).
• Emphasizes that leadership—in the digital era—should be based on "honesty and transparency, kindness, compassion" (02:12–02:19).

The Broader Question for Professionals

• The hosts prompt listeners to consider: "if Mitch Jackson, someone who built his career on social media, is willing to walk away, it makes you wonder" (02:29–02:35).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On misinformation:
  "He thinks these platforms are spreading a lot of misinformation." — Speaker B (00:42)
• On platform values:
  "He thinks they care more about making money than being truthful or accountable." — Speaker A (01:06)
• On choosing new platforms:
  "He wants to support platforms that align with his values." — Speaker A (01:49)
• On deleting accounts:
  "He said deleting those other accounts was easy. He's challenging us to think about why we give these platforms so much power." — Speaker A (01:54–02:07)
• On digital leadership:
  "It's a call for a different kind of leadership...honesty and transparency, kindness, compassion." — Speaker A (02:11–02:19)
• On the implications:
  "If Mitch Jackson, someone who built his career on social media, is willing to walk away, it makes you wonder." — Speaker B (02:29–02:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:10 – Introduction to Mitch Jackson and his social media prowess
• 00:23 – Confirmation that every major social account is being deleted
• 00:42–00:52 – Discussion on misinformation and social harm
• 01:06–01:10 – Critique of profit motives vs. truth
• 01:10–01:16 – Platform alignment with political interests
• 01:34–01:43 – Jackson's shift to LinkedIn and Blue Sky
• 01:54–02:07 – The ease of leaving and challenge to listeners
• 02:11–02:19 – Defining values-driven leadership
• 02:29–02:35 – Reflection on the wider significance of Jackson’s move

Conclusion

In this high-impact, five-minute episode, the hosts distill Mitch Jackson’s departure from dominant social media platforms into a lesson on ethics, digital choices, and leadership. The episode urges legal professionals and listeners at large to critically evaluate where they invest their online presence and whether they are supporting platforms—and communities—that reflect their own values.

To dive deeper into Jackson’s thoughts, the hosts recommend exploring his content on LinkedIn and Blue Sky (02:36–02:39).