With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. However, there have been growing concerns over the years regarding the safety and privacy practices of Facebook’s mobile app. If you are considering downloading the Facebook app on your phone, here are some important factors to consider.
Data Collection
Facebook collects a significant amount of data from its users, including information about your location, interests, browsing history, and more. When you download the Facebook app, you are granting the company access to even more personal data from your mobile device such as your contacts, photos, camera, microphone, and SMS messages. This data helps Facebook build detailed profiles about its users and target ads and content.
While Facebook claims it uses this data to improve your experience on the platform, the amount of personal data collected raises privacy concerns. Facebook has faced criticism over misusing user data and failing to protect privacy, most notably with the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018.
Security Risks
Like any app, the Facebook app poses potential security risks to your phone. Bugs and vulnerabilities in the code could allow hackers access to your phone’s data. Phishing scams and fake Facebook apps also trick users into downloading malware onto their devices. Facebook has had a number of security breaches over the years exposing user data.
Additionally, cybersecurity researchers have found vulnerabilities specific to the Facebook app. In 2020, Check Point Research revealed that hackers could potentially take over Facebook accounts and spy on users via a flaw in the Android app’s video downloader tool.
Battery and Storage Drain
The Facebook app is notoriously battery-draining and takes up significant storage space. Unlike mobile sites, apps constantly run in the background even when not in use. The Facebook app frequently requests location and other resource-intensive permissions which drain battery.
Additionally, the app downloads videos/photos which take up storage space. One study found that uninstalling Facebook freed up over 20% of space on some phones. This can slow down your phone’s performance significantly.
Distraction and Screen Time
Research has found that people spend immense amounts of time mindlessly scrolling on social media apps. The Facebook app makes it incredibly easy to get sucked into your News Feed and lose track of time.
Frequent social media use has been linked to negative mental health effects like depression and anxiety in some studies. While correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation, reducing time spent on apps like Facebook can help limit distractions and boost productivity.
Access on Mobile Web
It’s important to note that you can access Facebook through your mobile browser without downloading the app. While the mobile site has slightly limited functionality, it provides the core Facebook experience.
This allows you to access Facebook on the go without the privacy risks or storage requirements of the app. It also reduces distractions since you’ll likely check it less frequently than the app. Overall, the mobile site provides a decent middle ground if you want Facebook access without full app commitment.
Limit App Permissions
If you decide to use the Facebook app, you can limit its access to some permissions to reduce privacy/security risks. When you first open the app, go through each permission and select “Don’t Allow” for unnecessary ones like access to your microphone, contacts, camera, etc.
You can also turn off background app refresh on your phone which limits data collection when you’re not actively using the app. Under your Facebook app settings, consider turning off location services and notifications to further limit distractions.
Use Extra Security Measures
Enabling two-factor authentication on your Facebook account provides an extra layer of security if your login credentials are compromised. You can also consider using a VPN for added protection when accessing Facebook on public WiFi networks.
Additionally, only download the app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store to avoid any fake malicious Facebook apps. Keep the app updated to the latest version for security patches.
Weigh the Trade-Offs
Ultimately, deciding whether to download the Facebook app requires weighing the convenience and functionality of the app against the risks like privacy concerns, distraction potential, and battery drain.
Here are some key questions to consider:
- How much do you value Facebook access on your phone throughout the day?
- Are you comfortable granting the app access to extensive personal data like contacts and location?
- Do you have issues with phone storage capacity or battery life currently?
- Do you tend to waste excessive time mindlessly scrolling on social media apps?
Your answers can help guide your decision on whether the full Facebook app is worthwhile for you or if limiting use to the mobile site is a better option. It also may be worth trying out the app but limiting permissions/notifications to see if you can find a comfortable middle ground.
Conclusion
The Facebook app provides convenient access to Facebook on your phone but poses risks in terms of privacy, security, distraction potential and battery/storage drain. While Facebook claims it uses extensive data collection to enhance the user experience, many individuals are not comfortable granting the app unfettered access to their personal information and phone resources.
Using Facebook on the mobile web provides a decent alternative for more casual use. If you do decide to use the app, limiting permissions, turning off notifications/background refresh, and enabling two-factor authentication can help mitigate some of the risks. Ultimately the decision depends on your personal privacy preferences and how much you value Facebook integration with your mobile device.
References
Here are some references used as sources for this article:
- Facebook’s Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/policy.php
- Facebook Privacy Concerns – Electronic Frontier Foundation: https://www.eff.org/issues/facebook-privacy
- Facebook App Flaw Exposed Users’ Photos – Check Point Research: https://research.checkpoint.com/2020/facebook-app-flaw-exposed-users-photos/
- The Price of Free: How Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Google Sell You to Advertisers – Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/price-of-free-how-facebook-google-microsoft-apple-sell-you-to-advertisers-a7619548819/
- Facebook ranked worst for mental health impact – Royal Society for Public Health: https://www.rsph.org.uk/about-us/news/instagram-ranked-worst-for-young-people-s-mental-health.html