A survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that Facebook users ages 18 and older are making changes to the way they use Facebook. Over 25 percent U.S. adults have removed the app from their phone, and an even greater number of users have taken a break from using Facebook altogether.
Fifty-four percent of users have adjusted their privacy settings, 42 percent have taken a break from checking Facebook for several weeks or longer and 26 percent have removed the app from their phone.
The survey was conducted between May 29 and June 11 in 2018. The timeframe is notable because it was was after information came out about Cambridge Analytica collecting data on millions of Facebook users without their knowledge in order to manipulate U.S. and British voters.
Since the incident and negative press surrounding Facebook, the social media platform has faced a series of controversies about misinformation and manipulation on its platform. Americans have soured on the social media platform, but additionally, more people are turning away from Facebook because they have come to terms with the toxic role that the platform plays in their lives.
Facebook has become misleading; consumption of the “feed” is irrelevant and Facebook makes people waste time. It is no wonder people have decided to take a long break from the platform or just get rid of their accounts altogether.
By: Maytinee Kramer
