Facebook’s privacy settings allow users to choose whether or not they want their list of followers to be public or private. By default, Facebook sets a user’s followers list to be private. This means that only the user can see the full list of people following them. There are a few reasons why Facebook has set the default followers list settings to private:
Protecting User Privacy
One of the main reasons Facebook keeps followers lists private by default is to protect user privacy. Facebook users have differing comfort levels when it comes to how much of their information they want public. Making followers lists private allows users to choose who gets to see their list of followers.
For some users, having their full list of followers exposed publicly could reveal connections or relationships they don’t necessarily want everyone knowing about. Keeping followers lists private by default gives users more control over their privacy.
Preventing Scraping of Data
In addition to protecting user privacy, keeping followers lists private by default also prevents the scraping of this data. Web scrapers and bots can scrape information from public profiles and compile databases. By not allowing public access to followers lists, Facebook makes it more difficult for third parties to scrape and collect this type of data.
Avoiding Spam and Harassment
There are also concerns that public followers lists could enable targeted spam and harassment. If someone’s list of followers was exposed, spammers could target those followers with unwanted messaging. Stalkers or harassers could also potentially use public followers lists to aid in harassment or unwanted contact.
Making followers lists private reduces these risks and limits the potential for abusive behavior enabled by public data.
Reducing Social Pressure
Having a public follower count and followers list can create a sense of social pressure for some users. They may feel self-conscious about how many followers they have or don’t have. By keeping the full list of followers private, Facebook reduces the social comparisons and competitiveness around follower counts.
How to Make Your Followers List Public
While Facebook defaults to keeping followers lists private, users do have the option to make their followers public if they wish. Here are the steps to make your Facebook followers list public:
- Go to your Facebook profile
- Click on the “Friends” tab on your profile
- In the left column, click “Followers”
- Click the gear icon in the top right and select “Edit privacy”
- Change the privacy setting from “Only Me” to “Public”
Once you set your followers list to public, anyone will be able to see who follows you on Facebook. It’s important to carefully consider the privacy implications before making this change.
How to See Who Follows You If Your List is Private
If you want to see who is following you but keep your followers list private to others, there are still a couple ways to view it:
- On your profile, go to your followers list and you can scroll through and see the full list
- Use Facebook’s Follower Wonk tool under “News Feed Preferences” to analyze your followers
While these options allow you to view your followers, they will remain hidden to anyone else as long as you keep your followers list set to private. You have full control over who can see your list of followers.
Pros and Cons of a Public Followers List
There are some advantages and disadvantages to keeping your Facebook followers list public. Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh:
Pros
- Increased discoverability – A public list makes it easier for new people to find and follow you
- Credibility – Some viewers perceive public follower counts/lists as a sign of influence and credibility
- Marketing value – For businesses and creators, a public follower list has marketing value in demonstrating your reach
Cons
- Reduced privacy – Public lists give up control over your followers data
- Possible harassment – Public lists could enable targeted harassment of followers
- Social pressure – Some users feel self-conscious about their follower counts if public
The choice comes down to your own preferences and comfort level with the tradeoffs involved.
Conclusion
Facebook defaults to making followers lists private to give users control over their privacy. While you can make your Facebook followers public, there are good reasons why most people choose to keep it private. Consider the pros and cons carefully before making your followers list public. If you want to view your followers while keeping them private to others, you can still do so through your profile or Facebook’s Follower Wonk tool.