Can you imagine a world without Facebook and Instagram?

Meta made a chilling statement in its annual report: Facebook and Instagram may shut down in Europe if the company isn’t able to store and process data from the union’s users on US-based servers.

Now, this piece isn’t looking into the background of this event — or the fact Big Zuck has made this threat before.

Instead, it’s just a simple thought experiment where we imagine what the world would look like without Facebook and Instagram.

And, in my mind? It’ll be probably be something like this:

Simpsons world without lawyers — If there’s one thing the world needs, it’s more social networks. Image: 20th Century Fox

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The horror, friends, the horror. Let’s come together and pray scenes like this never happen.

Story by Callum Booth

Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting (show all) Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC. Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too. Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.