Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has recently addressed a longstanding frustration among Threads users. Adam Mosseri, the app’s top executive, announced a significant update that allows Threads users to delete their accounts on the app without simultaneously deleting their Instagram accounts. This change comes as a response to user demands and represents a step towards providing more autonomy to Threads users.
Users can now remove their profile from the Threads app without affecting their Instagram presence. This much-requested feature can be accessed through the Settings menu on Threads, under Account, and then selecting the option to delete or deactivate the profile. This update addresses a common gripe among Threads users who were previously unable to purge their Threads profile without also eliminating their entire Instagram account. The recent update follows another significant settings change that allows Threads users to opt out of having their posts promoted in the main feeds of Instagram and Facebook. This move is in line with Meta’s efforts to give users more control over their content and how it is shared across its platforms.
Despite these improvements, Threads and Instagram remain closely interconnected. An Instagram account is still a prerequisite for joining Threads, and the messaging features of Threads heavily rely on Instagram’s inbox. Additionally, Threads draws on users’ Instagram presence for recommendations and other features. While Meta isn’t indicating a complete separation of the two services, there are signs that Threads may evolve towards greater independence. Meta has expressed its intention to make Threads compatible with ActivityPub, an open-source protocol that powers services like Mastodon in the fediverse. While specific details about this integration are yet to be revealed, it suggests that Threads may offer users new ways to interact with content, even for those who prefer to keep their distance from Instagram.
As Meta continues to address user concerns and make Threads more user-friendly, the platform is likely to evolve further. The recent updates hint at a future where Threads could become a more independent platform, providing users with additional choices and alternatives to engage with content beyond the confines of Instagram. Meta’s ongoing efforts to disentangle Threads from Instagram demonstrate a commitment to user satisfaction and a recognition of the diverse needs within its user base. While the two platforms will likely remain connected, the steps taken so far indicate a positive direction for Threads, offering users more autonomy and control over their online experiences.
