In recent years, more and more people have been considering deleting their Facebook accounts. There are a number of reasons why someone might want to delete their account, but is it actually a good idea? Here we’ll explore the pros and cons of deleting Facebook and help you decide if it’s the right move for you.
Pros of Deleting Facebook
Here are some of the potential benefits of deleting your Facebook account:
- More privacy and control over your information. Facebook collects tons of data about its users for advertising purposes. Deleting your account means Facebook no longer has access to as much of your personal information.
- Increased productivity. Many people find themselves wasting hours mindlessly scrolling through their Facebook feed. Leaving the platform can help eliminate this distraction and free up more time in your day.
- Reduced exposure to negativity. Facebook can sometimes feel like an endless stream of polarizing political content, misinformation, and stressful interactions. Removing yourself from the platform can help improve your overall mood.
- Encourages more real-life interactions. Relying less on Facebook forces you to spend more time nurturing physical relationships and connections with others in the real world.
Cons of Deleting Facebook
Despite the benefits, there are also some potential downsides of deleting Facebook to consider:
- Loss of connections. Many people use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family who live far away. Deleting your account can cut you off from those connections.
- Missing out on events and information. Groups, events, and businesses often use Facebook to organize gatherings and share news and updates. You may miss out by leaving the platform.
- Less access to support communities. Many people find community, solace, and support through Facebook groups for health conditions, life challenges, parenthood, and more.
- Can’t access Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace is a hugely popular platform for buying and selling items locally. You’ll no longer be able to use it after deleting your account.
How to Download Your Facebook Data Before Deleting
Before taking the plunge and deleting your Facebook account, it’s important to first download a copy of your Facebook data for your records. Here are the steps to download your data:
- Click on the down arrow in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy.”
- On the left sidebar, click “Settings.”
- Click “Your Facebook Information” in the menu at the top.
- Click “Download Your Information” and then click “View.”
- Change the format to HTML and the media quality to High.
- Select the information you want to download – make sure to check photos, posts, reactions, friends, etc.
- Click “Create File” to request your download.
- Facebook will prepare and email you a link to download your archive when it’s ready, which could take a few hours or days depending on how much data you have.
How to Temporarily Deactivate vs. Permanently Delete Facebook
If you’re still unsure about leaving Facebook for good, you also have the option to temporarily deactivate your account. Here’s how deactivating compares to permanent deletion:
| Deactivation | Permanent Deletion |
|---|---|
| Temporarily disables your profile but doesn’t delete any data | Permanently deletes your profile and all data |
| Can reactivate whenever you want | Very difficult (almost impossible) to recover data |
| Friends can still tag you in posts and send messages | All friend connections and messaging abilities removed |
| Much easier to undo | Irreversible once account is scheduled for deletion |
To deactivate your Facebook account:
- Click the down arrow in the top right and select “Settings & Privacy.”
- Click “Settings.”
- Click “Your Facebook Information” in the left menu.
- Click “Deactivation and Deletion.”
- Choose “Deactivate Account” and follow the instructions.
How to Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account
If you’re ready to take the leap and permanently delete your Facebook account, here are the steps to do so:
- Click the down arrow and select “Settings & Privacy.”
- Click “Settings.”
- Click “Your Facebook Information” in the left menu.
- Click “Deactivation and Deletion.”
- Choose “Delete Account” and follow the prompts.
- Click “Continue to Account Deletion” and enter your password.
- Click “Delete Account.”
It can take up to 90 days for Facebook to fully delete everything. Your profile, photos, posts, and all other data will be gone forever.
Conclusion
Overall, deciding whether to delete your Facebook account is a highly personal choice that depends on your specific situation and priorities. While there are some valuable benefits to leaving Facebook, there are also drawbacks to consider when it comes to losing connections and access to communities.
If you’re fed up with Facebook and ready for a clean break, permanent deletion may be the best option, especially for improving privacy and productivity. However, deactivating your account can allow you to take a temporary break while still leaving the door open to coming back in the future if you change your mind.
Take time to think through your decision, download your data for safekeeping, and weigh the pros and cons. While deleting Facebook might be refreshing and liberating for some, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone.