JD Wetherspoon (LON: JDW) has announced that it is quitting all social media including Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) and Twitter (NYSE: TWTR).
The move comes in response to the “trolling” of some MPs but the decision has been met with criticism and claims of a publicity stunt.
“We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business,” wrote the group’s chairman Tim Martin in a tweet that is no longer available.
“I don’t believe that closing these accounts will affect our business whatsoever, and this is the overwhelming view of our pub managers.”
“It’s becoming increasingly obvious that people spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and struggle to control the compulsion. We will still be as vocal as ever through our Wetherspoon News magazine, as well as keeping the press updated at all times,” he added.
The 900 pubs and head office will quit social media with immediate effect and no jobs will be affected by the decision.
Martin has said that leaving social media platforms is a response to online abuse made to MPs, particularly those from religious or ethnic minorities.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live that he thinks quitting social media would be good for society.
Martin said that is people “limited their social media to half an hour a day, they’d be mentally and physically better off”.
“I find most people I know waste their time on it. A lot of them say they know they waste their time on it, but they struggle to get off it.”
The group’s chairman reassured that JD Wetherspoons would remain vocal and keep customers up to date via the Wetherspoon website and app.