How to Stop Following People on Facebook: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to curate your Facebook feed and say goodbye to the constant stream of updates from that distant relative or former colleague? Excellent choice! Learning how to stop following people on Facebook is simpler than you might think, and it’s a crucial step in reclaiming your online sanity.

In essence, stopping to follow someone on Facebook means you’ll no longer see their posts in your News Feed. You remain friends with them (if you are already friends), but their updates simply vanish from your daily scroll. Here’s how you do it, broken down into clear steps:

1. Navigate to the Profile: The most direct route is to visit the profile of the person you wish to unfollow. You can find their profile by searching their name in the search bar at the top of the screen or clicking on their name in a post they’ve made.
2. Locate the “Following” Button: Once on their profile, look for the “Following” button. It’s usually located below their cover photo, alongside other options like “Message” or “Add Friend.”
3. Unfollow: Hover your cursor over the “Following” button. A dropdown menu will appear. Select “Unfollow.” And that’s it! You’ll no longer see their posts.

It’s as easy as that. Remember, unfollowing is not the same as unfriending. You will remain connected as Facebook friends. This allows you to check their profile periodically if you want to see what they are up to but avoids the constant barrage of information in your News Feed.

Understanding the “Unfollow” Feature

The beauty of Facebook’s unfollow feature lies in its subtlety and lack of drama. The person you unfollowed won’t receive a notification alerting them to your decision. They’ll be none the wiser unless they specifically check to see if you are still following them, which is highly unlikely.

This feature provides a convenient way to declutter your feed without creating unnecessary friction. It’s a great tool for managing your online experience and prioritizing the content that truly matters to you.

Alternatives to Unfollowing

While unfollowing is a great option, it’s worth considering alternatives before hitting that button.

• Adjusting News Feed Preferences: Facebook allows you to prioritize posts from specific friends or Pages. By selecting “See First” for the people you care about most, you can ensure their updates always appear at the top of your feed. This can minimize the impact of less relevant content from others.
• Using the Snooze Feature: If you just need a temporary break from someone’s posts, the “Snooze” feature is your friend. Snoozing someone for 30 days will hide their posts from your feed without unfollowing them. This is perfect for those times when someone is posting excessively about a specific topic that doesn’t interest you.
• Creating Friend Lists: Organize your friends into different lists (e.g., “Close Friends,” “Family,” “Acquaintances”). You can then choose to view updates from specific lists, giving you more control over the content you see.

These alternatives allow you to manage your Facebook experience without resorting to the (albeit subtle) act of unfollowing. Think carefully about your relationship with the individual before choosing the best course of action.

FAQs: Mastering the Art of Unfollowing on Facebook

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about unfollowing people on Facebook, ensuring you are completely equipped to manage your social media experience.

1. Does someone know if I unfollow them on Facebook?

No, Facebook does not notify users when someone unfollows them. They will not receive any alert or indication that you’ve stopped seeing their posts in your News Feed. This is a discreet way to manage your feed without causing offense.

2. What’s the difference between unfollowing and unfriending?

Unfollowing hides a person’s posts from your News Feed, but you remain friends with them on Facebook. You can still view their profile and interact with their content if you choose. Unfriending, on the other hand, removes them as a friend entirely. They will no longer see your posts (unless they are public), and you will no longer see theirs. You will have to send them a friend request again to reconnect.

3. Can I unfollow a Facebook Page?

Yes, the process for unfollowing a Facebook Page is similar to unfollowing a person. Visit the Page, hover over the “Liked” or “Following” button, and select “Unfollow.”

4. How do I refollow someone I’ve unfollowed?

To refollow someone, visit their profile again. The “Following” button will now say “Follow.” Click on it to start seeing their posts in your News Feed once more.

5. How do I unfollow multiple people quickly?

Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t offer a bulk unfollow option. You have to unfollow individuals one at a time by visiting their profiles. Third-party browser extensions claiming to offer bulk unfollowing should be approached with caution, as they may violate Facebook’s terms of service or compromise your privacy.

6. Will unfollowing someone affect our Messenger conversations?

No, unfollowing someone only affects your News Feed. You can still send and receive messages from them through Facebook Messenger regardless of whether you are following them.

7. Can someone see if I’m following them?

Yes, users can see who is following them, but only if their profile is set to “Public” for followers. If their profile is set to “Friends,” then only their friends can see that they are following them.

8. I keep seeing posts from someone I unfollowed. Why?

There are a few possible reasons:

• You might have accidentally refollowed them. Double-check their profile to ensure you are still unfollowing them.
• They might be tagging you in posts. Tagging will override your unfollow settings.
• A mutual friend might be sharing their posts. If a friend shares a post from someone you unfollowed, it may appear in your feed.
• There could be a glitch. Sometimes, Facebook’s algorithm acts strangely. Try refreshing your feed or clearing your browser cache.

9. Can I prioritize posts from certain friends without unfollowing others?

Absolutely. Facebook allows you to prioritize posts from specific friends by clicking the three dots in the top right corner of their post and selecting “See First.” This ensures that their updates always appear at the top of your News Feed.

10. Does unfollowing someone affect how they see my posts?

No, unfollowing someone on your end doesn’t impact how they see your posts. If you are friends, they will continue to see your posts (unless you adjust your privacy settings).

11. What if I want to see someone’s posts occasionally without refollowing them?

You can always visit their profile directly to see their latest updates without having to refollow them. This is a good option if you only want to check in on them periodically.

12. Is there a limit to how many people I can unfollow?

Facebook doesn’t publicly state a limit on the number of people you can unfollow. However, unfollowing an excessive number of people in a short period might trigger Facebook’s security algorithms, so it’s best to do it gradually.

By understanding these nuances and employing the strategies outlined above, you can take complete control of your Facebook experience and curate a feed that is both informative and enjoyable. Remember, managing your social media is about creating a space that supports your well-being and allows you to connect with the people and content that truly matter. So, go forth and unfollow with confidence!