There has been much speculation recently over whether more people are choosing to deactivate their Facebook accounts. Facebook remains one of the most widely used social media platforms globally, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users as of Q3 2022. However, after a series of controversies around privacy, fake news, and political bias, some are questioning if people are starting to move away from the platform.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the data around Facebook user numbers and look at some of the reasons why people might be deactivating their accounts. We’ll also consider whether any decreases in users are part of a wider trend of moving away from large social media platforms.
Facebook’s User Numbers
Facebook’s own reported monthly active user (MAU) numbers provide us with some insight into whether more people are deactivating their accounts. According to Facebook’s reports, global MAUs were 2.93 billion as of Q3 2021. This declined slightly to 2.82 billion in Q3 2022.
This represents a year-on-year drop of around 110 million MAUs globally. Most of this decline came from Europe, where MAUs dropped from 305 million to 294 million. Other regions remained relatively stable or continued to grow slightly.
So while global user numbers are down year-on-year, the scale of the drop is relatively small compared to Facebook’s total user base – around a 4% decline. Some news headlines have exaggerated the scale of the drop, but it does not appear to represent a mass exodus at this stage.
Facebook’s MAU Numbers by Region
| Region | Q3 2021 MAUs | Q3 2022 MAUs | Change |
| US & Canada | 195 million | 192 million | -3 million (-2%) |
| Europe | 305 million | 294 million | -11 million (-4%) |
| Asia-Pacific | 1.12 billion | 1.24 billion | +120 million (+11%) |
| Rest of World | 310 million | 329 million | +19 million (+6%) |
| Global Total | 2.93 billion | 2.82 billion | -110 million (-4%) |
Reasons People Might Be Deactivating Facebook
While the numbers indicate only a minor drop in Facebook users so far, there are some clear reasons why people might be choosing to deactivate their accounts:
Privacy Concerns
Facebook has faced backlash over its handling of user data and privacy controls. The Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, where data on 87 million Facebook users was improperly accessed, heightened concerns about how secure personal data is on the platform.
Despite Facebook updating its privacy settings since, polls indicate privacy remains a top concern for users. A 2021 Pew Research study found around three-quarters of US adult Facebook users have adjusted their privacy settings. With privacy such a priority, deleting Facebook accounts entirely can seem like the best option for some.
Too Much Toxicity
Facebook has struggled with the spread of toxic content, fake news, political extremism, and hate speech on its platform. Critics argue its algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, which often promotes divisive and extreme content.
This in turn creates an unpleasant user experience, with too much negativity and misinformation in feeds. The toxicity may be driving some to deactivate their accounts.
Less Interest in Social Media
After years of growth, some speculate social media like Facebook is reaching saturation among key demographics like teenagers, who now often see it as less cool and more invasive.
Younger users are flocking to alternative platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. They may see Facebook as a network for older generations. This gradual shift in preferences could see more leaving Facebook as they get older.
Reputational Damage
Facebook’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years due to its various scandals and issues. Where it was once seen as innovative, some now view it as unethical, creepy, or outright dangerous.
While Facebook still has many loyal users, growing negative perceptions of the brand among certain demographics may be leading more people to cut ties.
Wider Move Away From Big Social Media?
As well as reasons specific to Facebook, any deactivations could also be part of a broader shift away from large social media platforms in general. Some of the same concerns around privacy, polarization, and mental health apply across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Pew Research found that over 40% of US adults have taken extended breaks from checking social media. More people are becoming aware of “doomscrolling” and trying to be more intentional about their social media use.
Dropping social media entirely does not work for everyone. But for those able to do so, deactivating accounts can be seen as reclaiming control over their digital lives. Rather than quitting cold turkey, many are opting for temporary deactivations like the annual “Facebook Purge”.
So while the data does not yet show a mass exodus from Facebook specifically, it could be the start of something bigger. If trust in large platforms continues to decline, more widespread account deactivation across social media is likely.
Conclusion
Based on user statistics, there has been a minor drop in Facebook monthly active users over the past year, mainly driven by declines in Europe. While not yet a major user exodus, there are clear reasons why some may be deactivating accounts, from privacy concerns to disillusionment with social media.
It is too early to say if this is the start of a long-term departure from Facebook. But it may be part of a broader reassessment of our relationship with social media as attitudes and priorities change. Continued controversies impacting Facebook’s reputation could accelerate account deactivations going forward.
Mark Zuckerberg has previously said he welcomes users taking breaks from Facebook to reevaluate their usage. But if the current trend gains momentum, he may have to work harder to reconnect with disaffected users or face further declines in his vast, but potentially fragile user base.