We show you how to bulk-delete or hide old Facebook posts based on a variety of filters, using Facebook’s new ‘Manage Activity’ tool.
Change
With so many subscribing to Facebook over the last 15 years it is likely that over time, users posts on their timelines reflect changes in their views, attitudes, appearance, relationships and more. Facebook has now developed a tool to archive or bulk delete user posts. This is so that users can “more accurately reflect who you are today”.
Archive or Delete
The ‘Manage Activity’ tool gives users the option of moving large numbers of their old posts into an archive. This hides them from view without deleting them. Or, they can send them to trash so they can be deleted after 30 days.
Filters
Selecting which old posts to hide in the archive or delete can be done by using different filter options. Filters such as date of post or who features in the posts can be helpful (especially if relationships have changed).
Old Photos
The tool can be used to hide or delete batches of old photos too. This is done by going to ‘Activity Log’ and the ‘Manage Posts’ button. Those who have already experimented with the new feature recommend users switch to a grid view as it is easier to scan through and select old photos.
Employers
When you consider that a 2018 CareerBuilder survey revealed that 70 per cent of employers use social media to screen candidates in the hiring process, and that 43 per cent of employers use social media to check on current employees. It is easy to see some of the value of being able to hide or remove lots of old posts and photos.
Clear History Tool
In January after a gradual roll-out, and as part of its ‘Off-Facebook activity’, Facebook announced that its Clear History tool was available to all users in all countries. The tool is designed to help users have more control over the protection of their data. It allows them to disconnect their web browsing data from their Facebook account.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
Giving Facebook users more control over their data with tools like ‘Manage Activity’ and ‘Clear History’ is another way that Facebook can get back some of the trust that it lost with the Cambridge Analytica scandal. It provides users with some extra value, and competes with other social media platforms.
For employers who want to take a peek at potential job candidates, this means that they are now likely to get less of a real view of people of interest through this route. However, it remains to be seen how many Facebook users take advantage of the features of the new tool.
Data privacy, security and having control over personal data is something of great importance now to web users. This has been reflected in legislation (GDPR) and in new features and tools that many of the social media companies are adding to their platforms.
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