Following recent studies reporting the harmful effects of social media on humans, the Port of Port Townsend is going to do something about it.
Starting in May 2026, the Port will no longer maintain active Facebook or Instagram pages. Instead, the Port will direct people to the Port’s website – www.portofpt.com – the local newspapers (Leader and Peninsula Daily News) and radio station (KPTZ). The Port will also encourage people to phone or visit one of the four Port offices for information.
“Study after study is reporting damage to people from social media use,” said Executive Director Eron Berg. “In my own personal experience serving in local government for the last 30 years, I have seen a dramatic increase in disconnection and negativity. I believe this is directly linked to the increase in social media use.”
Berg acknowledged this change may require some new habits. But, he said, the end result will be more humane connections between the Port and those interested in what it does.
“Facebook and Instagram are like host-destroying parasites,” he said. “They are invited into our lives with the promise of connection, and become essential to basic communication. But then, through their proprietary algorithms that demand more usage in exchange for personal data that will be sold, they then block basic human connection. This, in the end, weakens individual and community relationships.”
There are many alternatives, Berg said, and the Port will make full use of them.
“I encourage people to read the local newspaper for announcements about events,” he said. “If they have questions or concerns about the Port, please come talk to us. Let’s just be people, face-to-face, or a phone call away, with a shared interest in improving the health and vitality of our community. Please come to our offices or public meetings. Let’s talk.”
Berg said he knows shifting away from social media is “paddling up a river.” However, he said he was optimistic that in a community like Jefferson County, “the river leads to the meadow of connected community, if we paddle together.”
Berg called on other government or private entities to take the same step.
“Maybe small steps like this will revitalize person-to-person connection and community,” he said. “My hope is we can make real connection a community priority right now.”