I hate to say it and sound like I'm defending them, but here we go.
As a gigging musician in the Philippines, Meta apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger are some of the most important social media platforms to promote my work and to connect to potential clients.
I hate Meta and I hate that I have no choice on the Meta AI shit they've rolled out. But worse of all, I hate that I have no choice but to use Meta for my livelihood. There's just no alternative.
They got gigs by connections! Same is still true today. Personal connections get you the gig.
But in the before times, no one had social media. Nowadays everyone has it and is almost a necessity for a musician to get their voice and music out there. You're losing out if you don't have a "portfolio" through your socmed accounts.