Why You Might Want To Delete Facebook
There are a few common reasons why someone might want to delete their Facebook account permanently:
Privacy Concerns
Many people are concerned about their privacy on Facebook. When you have a Facebook account, the company collects a lot of data about you – what you do on Facebook, what you like, who you interact with, and more. Some people are uncomfortable with how much data Facebook has on them and want to delete their account to stop the data collection.
Too Much Time Spent on Facebook
Facebook can be addictive and time-consuming for some people. If you find yourself constantly scrolling and checking Facebook when you should be working or spending time with family, deleting your account can help break the habit and free up more time.
Negative Effects on Mood
Seeing updates from other people on Facebook can lead some users to feel down about themselves or their own lives. These social comparison effects can take a toll on mental health. Deleting the account removes the tendency to compare oneself to others.
Political or Ethical Concerns
Some choose to delete Facebook over concerns about the spread of misinformation, political extremism, or privacy scandals like Cambridge Analytica on the platform. They may feel better disconnecting from Facebook entirely.
Fresh Start
Others simply want to take a break from Facebook or social media in general for a fresh start. Deleting the account gives them a clean slate online.
How to Download Your Facebook Data
Before deleting your Facebook account, it’s important to first download a copy of your Facebook data for your records. Here’s how to download your Facebook data:
- Go to your Facebook Settings and select “Your Facebook Information” in the left column.
- On the next page, click “View” next to “Download Your Information.”
- Expand the options and select “JSON” file format. Then click “Create File.”
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Facebook will prep your download. It may take a little while depending on how much data you have.
- Once ready, you’ll get an email letting you know your Facebook data is ready to download. Click on the link in the email.
- Download the zip file containing your Facebook data.
This zip file contains your photos, posts, messages, and more in JSON format that you can access even after deleting your account.
How to Delete Your Facebook Account
Once you’ve downloaded your Facebook data, you’re ready to delete your account. Here is the process:
- Click on the arrow in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
- Go to “Your Facebook Information” in the left column.
- Choose “Deactivation and Deletion.”
- Select “Delete Account” and click “Continue to Account Deletion.”
- Enter your password and click “Continue.”
- Click “Delete Account.”
Facebook will now deactivate your account and delete it over the next 30 days. During this time, your profile and data will be inaccessible to other users.
Can You Reactivate During the 30 Days?
If you change your mind within the 30 day deletion period, it is possible to reactivate your account. Just log back in with your email and password. However, after the 30 days, the deletion is permanent.
How to Delete Facebook Messenger
When you delete your Facebook account, your Messenger account and messages will also be deleted. However, if you just want to delete the Messenger app without deleting your Facebook account:
- Open the Messenger app.
- Go to your profile icon.
- Tap on “Account Settings.”
- Select “Delete Account.”
- Enter your password and tap “Continue.”
- Select “Delete Account” to confirm.
This will delete your messages and remove your account from Messenger. Your Facebook profile will remain active.
Other Ways to Maintain Distance from Facebook
If you don’t want to fully delete your Facebook account, there are other options to create more distance from the platform:
Deactivate Account
You can deactivate your Facebook account temporarily by following the steps above, but selecting “Deactivate” instead of “Delete.” Your profile will be hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in.
Remove App from Phone
Deleting the Facebook app from your smartphone can reduce mindless scrolling and cut back on your Facebook use. You can still access it from a web browser if needed.
Unfollow Friends or Pages
Keep your account but unfollow friends or pages whose posts clutter your feed or negatively impact your mood. This curates your feed.
Limit Notifications
Turn off notifications from Facebook on your phone and computer so you aren’t alerted every time something happens. Check the site only when you want to.
Restrict Ad Targeting
Adjust your ad preferences and opt out of targeted ads to limit how much of your data is used for advertising.
Tighten Privacy Settings
Restrict who can see your posts and profile information. Set this to “Friends Only” or “Friends of Friends” in your privacy settings.
What Happens When You Delete Facebook?
Here’s an overview of what happens after you delete your Facebook account:
Profile Removed
Your profile, photos, posts, videos, and all other data will be permanently deleted after 30 days. Friends will no longer be able to search for you or view any of your past content.
Access to Third-Party Apps Removed
Any third-party apps you used Facebook to log into will be disconnected. This includes games, websites that support “Log in with Facebook,” and more.
Messenger Deleted
As mentioned above, your Messenger account and all associated messages will also be deleted. Make sure to download any important messages before deleting.
Events and Groups Removed
You will be removed from any Facebook events you were invited to or groups you were a member of. Group admins will need to invite you again if desired.
Ads Based on Facebook Activity Stop
Facebook will no longer use your activity on the platform to target ads to you on Facebook or elsewhere online.
Past Messages Inaccessible
Unless you downloaded your data, you will no longer have access to old messages after the 30 day period. Friends will not be able to retrieve your past conversations either.
Conclusion
Deleting your Facebook account can provide more privacy, free up time, and create distance from some of the platform’s downsides. Make sure to download your data first if you want to retain any photos, posts, or conversations. The deletion process is straightforward – simply go to your Facebook settings and select “Delete Account.” Just be aware the process is permanent after 30 days. Unfollowing friends, restricting data permissions, and removing the app from your phone are other options if you don’t want to fully delete Facebook.