You’d think a post on Facebook on depression and suicide would be showcased to one’s social network, but that isn’t optimal in an ad supported ecosystem where time spent on platforms reigns supreme.

Facebook and its subsidiaries are fluid organizations with one constant: they are ad supported platforms.

This is a good anecdotal example of how much Facebook has lost its way and its purpose. According to its website, Facebook’s mission is: 

"to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them."

Really?

Last Friday I published a “heavy” article on workaholism, depression and suicide by reflecting on Anthony Bourdain and Robin Williams while opening up about the hidden mental cost of success, by leaning on my own experiences. Admittedly, those are some dark themes (aka keywords) that may not be “brand-safe.” Ok, I get that – but this generally happens whenever I post something that links out externally. Google sent out tons of traffic, and people returned to use its search engine; Facebook, meanwhile is a walled garden. Either way, most of my posts/shares on Facebook get dozens of likes/comments.

Given the nature of the post and Facebook’s mission, you’d think Facebook would want every single person on my personal social network to be notified on it… but nope. By virtue of linking to an article on a website (and not published natively to Facebook), the post didn’t get much traction on the platform (whereas it was widely read relatively speaking on LinkedIn).

If you lose sight of your beacon or guiding light, you lose as an organization. Learn more about the difference between Mission, Vision and Statement of Purpose and if you have the stomach for it: Workaholism, Depression & Suicide: The Hidden Mental Cost of Success & The Healing Power of No.