With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Many people rely on Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, get news and information, share photos and life updates, promote their business, join special interest groups, and more. But constant connectivity can also lead to social media fatigue. If you’re considering deactivating your Facebook account, even temporarily, you may be wondering how it will impact your life and relationships.
Will my friends notice if I’m not on Facebook anymore?
If you deactivate Facebook, most of your friends will probably notice your absence, especially those you interact with regularly. You won’t show up in their newsfeeds, they won’t see your posts and updates, and they won’t be able to message you within Facebook. How quickly and how much they notice depends on how active you are on the platform and how close you are to each friend. Some may reach out to you through other channels to see if you’re ok or to continue the conversation. If you rarely post or communicate via Facebook, your absence may go unnoticed by casual connections and acquaintances. Those you aren’t as close with may simply assume you’re posting less or taking a break from social media. But your real life close friends and family will likely realize soon that you’ve deactivated.
Will deactivating Facebook impact my relationships?
Deactivating Facebook could impact some of your relationships, especially connections made online or with long distance friends who you primarily keep in touch with via Facebook. You’ll lose the ability to easily see updates from their lives, comment on their posts, and participate in two-way conversations. For relationships that exist predominantly online or at a distance, this loss of shared virtual interaction could reduce feelings of closeness and connection. It may take effort on both sides to sustain the relationship through other communication channels. But for people you see in person regularly, especially close family and friends, deactivating Facebook may have little effect on the strength of that relationship. If you make an effort to connect through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, texting, or other social platforms, you can likely maintain strong bonds regardless of Facebook status.
Will I miss out on events and information if I deactivate Facebook?
Deactivating Facebook does mean you’ll temporarily miss out on some things. Most events, groups, and local businesses use Facebook to publicize information and connect with interested people. You won’t see invitations, announcements, sales, or other updates from these entities in your newsfeed. You’ll need to find other ways to learn about local happenings, sales, and events, such as checking websites, blogs, email newsletters, newspapers, or finding out through word-of-mouth. You also won’t be able to RSVP to events through Facebook or see friends who plan to attend. Some things may slip through the cracks if you rely heavily on Facebook notifications. But if you stay proactive about finding event information elsewhere, you shouldn’t miss out on too much.
Tips for alternative event discovery without Facebook:
- Check community event calendars
- Follow local news sites and blogs
- Look for email newsletters and alerts
- Check bulletin boards and flyers in your area
- Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations
Will deactivating Facebook negatively impact my business or side hustle?
If you use Facebook to promote your business, side hustle, freelance services, or any other professional endeavors, deactivating your account could negatively impact your success and reach. Facebook provides a powerful platform for connecting with customers, driving sales, promoting content and offerings, advertising, and more. Here are some of the ways deactivating Facebook may hinder business efforts:
Loss of existing customers and audience
You’ll no longer be able to nurture leads and communicate with existing customers through your business Facebook page and ads. This could lead to loss of sales, customers, and client relationships.
Decreased brand awareness
Your business won’t be discoverable on Facebook through searches, recommendations, or ads, decreasing potential reach and brand awareness for new customers.
Fewer sales
Facebook ads and shop features drive product discovery and sales for many businesses. Deactivating means losing this sales channel during your break from the platform.
Lower website traffic
Facebook traffic to your website will drop since users can’t access content and links you share there.
If Facebook is an important lead generation and sales driver, consider keeping your business page active even if you deactivate your personal profile. Also look for alternative marketing options like Google, Instagram, email, and offline options to minimize the impact. Or plan your break during slower sales cycles or seasons.
Will taking a break from Facebook improve my mood and outlook?
Studies show that while social media platforms like Facebook help people feel more connected, excessive time spent on social media can also negatively impact mental health and wellbeing. Too much exposure to others’ curated feeds can lead to negative social comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and unhealthy pressures. The constant barrage of stressful news and polarizing political content can also take a toll. Unplugging from Facebook for a period of time allows you to take control of how you spend your screen time. It also creates space to focus on real world connections and activities you find meaningful. For many people, this leads to improved mood, less anxiety and depression, deeper in-person bonds, and an overall greater sense of wellbeing. The impact that unplugging has on your mental health depends on how much of your time was previously spent on the platform. But most people report positive effects from taking a deliberate break.
How long should I deactivate my Facebook account to see benefits?
Research has shown that the maximum benefits of a digital detox occur when breaks from social media last about one week. Here’s an overview of the effects linked to deactivating Facebook for different periods of time:
One week
- Increased in-person social interactions
- More free time for offline activities
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Greater life satisfaction
Two weeks
- Improved mood and emotional wellbeing
- Higher quality of sleep
- Decreased loneliness
- Renewed interest in hobbies and passions
One month
- Increased productivity
- More exercise
- Healthier eating habits
- Greater feelings of freedom
The maximum reported benefits seem to occur around one month, but even a one week break can be refreshing. Start with a short timeframe that feels doable yet meaningful. You can always extend your break if needed.
What happens when I deactivate vs. delete Facebook?
There are a few key differences between deactivating your Facebook account and permanently deleting it:
Deactivating
- Reversible – You can easily reactivate your account
- Temporarily disables profile – No one can search for you or view your profile
- Past posts/info remain intact – Everything will be there if you reactivate
- Can take a break for as long as you want
Deleting
- Permanent – Much harder to retrieve account and info
- Profile and posts are gone
- Friends lose access immediately
- Account is scheduled for permanent deletion within 30 days
Deactivating gives you the flexibility to take a temporary break from Facebook without losing your profile and connections permanently.
How do I deactivate my Facebook account?
Ready to take a break from Facebook? Here are simple step-by-step instructions to deactivate your account:
- Click on the arrow in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy”
- Click “Settings” and select “Your Facebook Information” in the left menu
- Choose “Deactivation and Deletion”
- Click “Deactivate Account” and select “Continue to Account Deactivation”
- Select “Deactivate” and enter your password to confirm
Your account will deactivate immediately. Whenever you’re ready to return, simply log back in with your username and password, and your profile will be reactivated with all of your previous information intact.
What should I do with my free time after quitting Facebook?
Once you’ve taken the plunge and deactivated your Facebook account, you’ll likely find yourself with extra free time in your day. Here are some ideas for meaningful and fulfilling ways to spend that time:
Connect with important people
- Make plans to see friends and family in person
- Write letters or send care packages to long distance loved ones
- Have deeper conversations with the people close to you
Pick up an old or new hobby
- Read books that have been collecting dust on your shelf
- Start a DIY project you’ve been putting off
- Learn a new skill like knitting, coding or speaking a foreign language
- Train for a 5K or other fitness goal
Get active and improve your health
- Exercise – go for a hike, hit the gym, or take an exercise class
- Meal prep healthy, nutritious food instead of takeout
- Practice meditation, yoga, or mindfulness
- Get more sleep and improve sleep habits
Do things you enjoy
- Treat yourself to a massage or nice meal
- Visit a museum or gallery during the quieter weekday hours
- Go see a movie or concert
- Explore a new hiking trail or coffee shop in your area
The possibilities are endless. Having extra free time allows you to focus on your needs and enjoy life beyond social media.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Facebook account can have many positive effects on your overall wellbeing, mood, stress levels, relationships, and quality of life. While you’ll miss out on some things happening in the Facebook world, your true friends will find other ways to keep in touch if the connection matters. Taking a temporary break gives you space to focus on real world connections and activities you find meaningful, without losing your Facebook profile permanently. If you feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or ‘too connected’, consider taking a one week or one month sabbatical from Facebook. Enjoy your free time, then decide if you want to reactivate or continue your break. Listen to your needs and take care of your mental health first.