Pub chain JD Wetherspoon says it is closing down all its social media accounts following the "trolling" of MPs and ethnic minorities.
The Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts for all 900 pubs and head office are shutting down with immediate effect, the pub operator said.
The move also takes account of recent concerns over the misuse of personal data and the addictive nature of social media.
Chairman Tim Martin said: "We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business.
In a world of social media, J D Wetherspoon has decided to close down all Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media accounts for individual pubs and head office. pic.twitter.com/16BbW7JS3g
— J D Wetherspoon (@jdwtweet) 16 April 2018
"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.
More from UK
"We will also be maintaining our website and the Wetherspoon app and encourage customers to get in touch with us via our website or by speaking with the manager at their local pub."
Wetherspoon has more than 44,000 Twitter followers and more than 100,000 followers on Facebook.
[contf] [contfnew] 
Sky News
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
