Meta has introduced a new feature in its Threads app, allowing users to delete their Threads accounts without affecting their Instagram profiles. This update, announced by Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, addresses a long-standing user request for more control over their social media presence.
Enhanced control for Threads users
Previously, deleting a Threads profile meant removing the associated Instagram account, which frustrated many users. The latest update offers a solution to this problem. Users can now navigate to Settings, select Account, and choose to delete or deactivate their profile in Threads. This change reflects Meta’s commitment to giving users more autonomy and flexibility in managing their digital footprint.
Continued integration with Instagram
Despite this new independence, Threads remains closely linked to Instagram. An Instagram account is necessary to access Threads, and its messaging feature relies on Instagram’s inbox. Threads also uses one’s Instagram activity to tailor recommendations and other app features. While Meta has not indicated a complete separation of the two services, these changes hint at a possible future where Threads operates more independently.
Towards a more open social media experience
Meta plans to make Threads compatible with ActivityPub, the open-source protocol behind Mastodon and other decentralised platforms. While details are scarce, this move could open up new ways for users to engage with Threads, even for those who prefer to limit their use of Instagram. This integration represents a significant step towards a more open and interconnected social media landscape.
The ability to delete Threads accounts independently marks a significant shift in Meta’s approach to user autonomy and service integration. It’s a move that addresses user concerns and hints at a more flexible and interconnected future for social media platforms.
