In the modern digital age, social media has become deeply ingrained in many people’s lives. Platforms like Facebook allow us to stay connected with friends and family, discover news and trends, and share aspects of our lives with others. However, some have begun questioning whether constant social media use is having a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing. This article will examine the potential pros and cons of deactivating your Facebook account and whether doing so may be beneficial for your overall health.
What does it mean to deactivate Facebook?
Deactivating your Facebook account means temporarily disabling your profile so that it is no longer visible to other users on the platform. Your profile, photos, posts, and messages will be hidden until you reactive your account by logging back in. The main differences between deactivating and permanently deleting your account are:
- Deactivating is temporary, while deleting is permanent
- Your information remains stored if deactivated, but is erased if deleted
- You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in
Deactivating can serve as a way to take a break from Facebook without losing your profile and connections permanently. It allows you to step away from the platform’s constant notifications and feeds while still maintaining control over your account if you choose to return.
Why would someone deactivate their Facebook account?
There are a variety of reasons why someone may choose to deactivate their Facebook account, including:
Mental Health Benefits
Taking a break from Facebook may help improve feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, or FOMO (fear of missing out) that can sometimes be exacerbated by social media use:
- Reduced social comparison – Less exposure to curated profiles and posts from others
- Increased present-moment focus – Less distraction by news feeds and notifications
- Regained sense of privacy – Feeling of control over who can access your information
- Improved self-image – Less dependence on likes and comments for self-validation
Increased Productivity
Deactivating Facebook eliminates the temptation to mindlessly scroll through your feed during work or study hours:
- More time – Less spent aimlessly browsing social media
- Fewer distractions – ability to focus without notifications and updates
- Greater efficiency – Tasks can be completed in shorter timeframes
Reduced Screen Time
Taking a break from Facebook and social media overall reduces daily screen exposure:
- Less eye strain and fatigue from looking at screens
- Healthier sleep habits and circadian rhythms with less blue light exposure
- Opportunity to spend time on other hobbies and activities away from a device
Break From Political Content
With election seasons and partisan divisions, Facebook has become saturated with political posts that can be draining or polarizing for some users. Deactivating provides:
- A mental reprieve from charged or divisive political discussions
- Less exposure to misinformation or manipulated content
- Time to reflect on one’s own values away from partisan influences
What are the potential downsides of deactivating Facebook?
While there may be benefits, there are also some elements to consider before deactivating your Facebook account:
Reduced Connectedness
Without Facebook, you may feel more disconnected from certain friends and family members:
- Harder to stay updated on news/events about people you know
- May miss out on event invites, messages, or announcements
- Certain relationships may weaken over time without regular social media contact
Fewer Shared Experiences
You may share fewer moments, memories, photos, etc. with your connections:
- Friends won’t see highlights or everyday experiences from your life
- You miss out on seeing friends’ updates, photos, family news, etc.
- Reduced sense of mutual sharing and openness with your network
FOMO About Being Offline
Deactivating may initially instill a fear of missing out on what’s happening while you’re not active on the platform:
- Wondering what friends, news, trends you’re missing
- Temptation to reactivate account to check notifications/updates
- May take time to adjust expectations around social media connection
Adverse Effects on Businesses/Accounts
Those who use Facebook pages/profiles for business may see negative impacts if they deactivate:
- Decline in brand visibility, website traffic, sales without active Facebook presence
- Loss of access to customer reviews, messages, and leads through Facebook
- Employees/colleagues unable to connect or coordinate via Facebook messaging
How long should you deactivate your Facebook account?
If you decide to deactivate your Facebook account, how long should the break last? Here are some factors to consider:
- One week – Enough to disrupt daily habits and be aware of impulse to check
- One month – Allows more time to adjust and notice effects on productivity, mood, etc.
- 6-12 months – Provides an extended breather from the platform and its influences
- Indefinitely/until you feel ready – For those who need an open-ended break from the platform
There is no universally ideal deactivation period – it depends on your personal goals and motivations for taking a break. Start with a defined timeframe, then check in periodically on if you feel ready to reactivate your account or extend your time offline.
How do you deactivate your Facebook account?
If you’ve decided to deactivate, here is a step-by-step guide to disabling your Facebook account:
- Login to your Facebook account and click on the arrow in the top right corner
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu
- Click “Settings” and go to the “Your Facebook Information” section
- Choose “Deactivation and Deletion”
- Click “Deactivate Account” and follow the on-screen prompts
- Select a reason for deactivating your account from the dropdown options
- Enter your password to confirm your identity
- Click “Deactivate” to disable your profile
Once you complete the steps, your account will be deactivated. To reactivate, simply login with your username and password whenever you feel ready to start using Facebook again.
What are some healthy alternatives to Facebook?
If you find deactivating improves your wellbeing but still want to connect with friends, there are healthier alternatives to maintain relationships:
- Real-life social events – Meet up with friends/family for shared activities
- Texting or phone calls – Direct communication methods without public sharing
- Private group chats – Connect with smaller circles through messaging apps
- Shared photo albums – Privately share memories and photos with loved ones
- Blogging/journaling – Share your experiences, thoughts, or creativity
- Newsletters and email lists – Follow topics, individuals, or brands you like
The options allow meaningful connections with less pressure, toxicity, and comparison.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Facebook account can provide mental health benefits, increased productivity, and a needed break from screens, politics, and negativity. However, it also carries risks of feeling disconnected, business impacts, and FOMO. Most find a 1-month break refreshing before reassessing. While not inherently unhealthy, excessive Facebook use can negatively impact wellbeing. Stepping away periodically promotes healthier digital habits and relationships long-term.