The world of social media can offer unlimited opportunities, but sometimes stepping away is necessary. As a resident of Riyadh or any other city in Saudi Arabia and an Instagram user, you might be considering removing your online presence due to various factors. In this article, we will discuss why users choose to delete their accounts, the difference between deactivation and deletion, and how to proceed with both processes.
Why Users Choose to Delete Their Instagram Accounts
Privacy Concerns: With Instagram being heavily focused on sharing photos and videos, it comes with its own set of privacy-related concerns. You may feel overexposed and wish to regain control over your personal life, leading to deleting your profile altogether.
Time Management: Maintaining a constant online presence and curating an attractive feed can prove to be time-consuming. Stepping back from Instagram and focusing on more productive activities is justifiable when achieving a work-life balance is vital.
Cyberbullying: Unfortunately, cyberbullying is widespread on many social media platforms, including Instagram. Getting away from negative environments by deleting your account is one way to protect yourself or your loved ones from ongoing harassment.
Personal Factors: The unique aspects of Saudi Arabian culture might contribute to decisions surrounding Instagram usage. For example, women with strict family norms and values might decide to delete their profiles due to modesty concerns or familial obligations.
Understanding Instagram Deactivation
Before proceeding with account deletion, it is essential to understand what deactivation means and whether it is a suitable option instead. This temporary measure allows users to take a break while still preserving their data.
- Deactivation is Reversible: If you change your mind, you can easily reactivate your account by logging back in within 30 days.
- Data Preservation: All photos, videos and interactions (likes, comments, followers) remain intact and will be restored upon reactivation.
- Invisible Profile: During the deactivation period, users cannot search for your profile or access any of your content. However, direct messages sent before deactivation might still be visible to recipients.
How to Deactivate Your Instagram Account in Saudi Arabia
Follow these steps to deactivate your Instagram profile.
- Go to Instagram’s desktop website via a browser, as the mobile app does not support deactivation features.
- Log in to your account if not logged in already.
- Click on your profile photo located at the top-right corner of the page.
- Select ‘Profile’ from the drop-down menu that appears.
- Click on ‘Edit Profile’ right below your display name and bio section.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Temporarily disable my account’.
- Answer the question, “Why are you disabling your account?” Choose a relevant option from the drop-down menu.
- Re-enter your password and click on ‘Temporarily Disable Account’.
Your profile will now be deactivated until you log in again.
Understanding Instagram Deletion
Account deletion is permanent and non-reversible; once completed, all data associated with the account will be erased entirely. Including photos, videos, followers, likes, and comments. If you decide later to join Instagram again, you’ll have to create a new account from scratch.
How to Delete Your Instagram Account in Saudi Arabia
If you’re convinced that deletion is the best course of action, follow these instructions:
- Go to Instagram’s ‘Delete Your Account’ page on your desktop browser or mobile app.
- Log in if not already logged in.
- Select a reason for deleting your account from the given options.
- Re-enter your password when prompted.
- Click ‘Permanently delete my account.’
Note: Instagram might take up to 48 hours to completely erase your account and its associated data.
Backup Your Data Before Proceeding
Before going through with the account deletion process, it’s recommended to back up any valuable content that may want to preserve. To do this, request a copy of your data from Instagram by following these steps:
- Access your Instagram account on a computer or mobile app.
- Click on your profile photo located at the top-right corner of the page (desktop) or tap on the menu icon (mobile).
- Select ‘Settings’ and then click or tap on ‘Privacy and Security’ (desktop) or ‘Security’ (mobile).
- Click or tap on ‘Request Download’ under the ‘Data Download’ section.
- Enter your email address and click or tap on ‘Next’.
- Enter your account password and then click or tap on ‘Request Download’.
After submitting your request, Instagram will prepare a downloadable file containing all your uploaded content and related information. You’ll receive an email with the download link in a few days.
Considerations for Parents of Minors
If you’re a concerned parent residing in Saudi Arabia, ensure that your children understand both deactivation and deletion measures before allowing them to use Instagram. Educate them about online safety and etiquette. Keep track of their activities and maintain open communication lines about any issues they may face on the platform.
In summary, deleting or deactivating an Instagram account is a personal decision influenced by various factors. Knowing well between these options and understanding how to execute them ensures a seamless departure from the social media platform while catering to individual needs and concerns.