13 Things From Your Facebook You Should Delete Right Now

Facebook has become a fixture in our daily lives—an almost automatic reflex for many of us. With over 230 million users, it’s no surprise that we’re constantly sharing, posting, and updating on the platform. From milestone moments to casual check-ins, we tend to treat Facebook like an online diary. But here’s the thing: while it may seem harmless, there are hidden risks lurking behind those innocent updates.

Have you ever stopped to think about how much of your life is out there for the world to see? Or, more concerningly, who might be watching? From cybercriminals to identity thieves, there are more eyes on your Facebook profile than you might think. And some of the things you’ve shared may be putting you and your loved ones in danger without you even realizing it.

What if the simple act of posting your vacation photos or sharing your birthday could be giving away more than just memories? Curious about what else you might need to delete right now? Keep reading—we’re diving into 13 surprising things that could be risking your privacy and safety. It’s time to rethink your digital habits and take back control.

The Problem with Oversharing on Facebook

We live in a world where sharing the highlights (and sometimes the low points) of our lives on social media has become second nature. With Facebook being one of the most popular platforms, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of posting daily updates, photos, and check-ins. However, this convenience can come at a significant cost.

Oversharing on Facebook can expose you to a variety of risks. Many of the things we casually post—like personal details, locations, or even seemingly harmless photos—can be used by identity thieves, stalkers, or cybercriminals. Facebook itself has been at the center of several privacy controversies, with the platform accused of not doing enough to protect user data. The Cambridge Analytica scandal is one of the most notorious examples, where personal data from millions of Facebook users was harvested without consent for political advertising.

Furthermore, once something is shared on social media, it’s often difficult to erase it entirely. Even if you delete a post, someone could have already taken a screenshot or saved the information elsewhere. As Elizabeth DeVille writes, “Recognizing and understanding these risks empowers you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself”​

13 Things You Should Delete Right Now

We all love sharing bits of our lives on Facebook, but sometimes we forget just how much information we’re putting out there. Whether it’s old posts, photos, or even personal details, some of it could be putting your privacy at risk without you even realizing it. Here are 13 things you should consider deleting from your Facebook to help protect yourself online:

1. Your Relationship Status

Let’s face it, your relationship status is probably something only your close friends care about. And let’s be honest, broadcasting it to the world can sometimes attract unwanted attention. Whether you’re newly single or in a fresh relationship, keeping this private is just a smart move. You don’t need strangers knowing the intimate details of your love life.

2. Pictures of Children

We all love showing off our kids, especially when they do something adorable. But before you post that cute photo, think about who else might be seeing it. There are a lot of people on the internet that you wouldn’t want having access to pictures of your kids. Plus, as they get older, they might not appreciate having their entire childhood plastered online for everyone to see. It’s probably safer to keep those family moments private or share them only with close friends and family.

3. Your Child’s School/Daycare Location

Sharing that “first day of school” pic with the school logo or tagging your kid’s daycare might seem innocent enough, but it can actually be risky. You’re basically handing out your child’s location to whoever sees the post. It’s better to avoid mentioning the exact place your child spends most of their day. Keep it simple and protect their privacy by not revealing that kind of info.

4. Embarrassing or Questionable Photos

We’ve all had moments we thought were funny at the time, but some photos don’t age well—especially if they could hurt your reputation. Whether it’s a wild night out or just a goofy shot, these photos can come back to haunt you, especially if a future employer decides to check out your profile. Deleting any questionable or embarrassing pictures is a smart way to keep your social media clean.

5. “Friends” Who Aren’t Really Friends

Remember when you used to accept friend requests from anyone and everyone? Well, it might be time for a little cleanup. Having a ton of Facebook “friends” you barely know means your personal updates are reaching people you don’t actually trust. Go through your list and remove anyone who doesn’t need to be there. It’s better to keep things private among people you genuinely know.

6. Credit/Debit Card Info

If you’ve ever made a purchase through Facebook, you might have your payment info saved. But here’s the thing—keeping your credit card details on social media is just asking for trouble. Hackers love targeting this kind of data. It’s a good idea to delete your saved payment info and avoid entering it unless it’s absolutely necessary.

7. Your Phone Number

Posting your phone number might seem like no big deal, but it can lead to annoying spam calls or, even worse, scams. Scammers can use it to try and trick you, so it’s better to keep your phone number off Facebook altogether. If someone needs it, they can always ask for it directly.

8. Posts You’re Tagged In

You may not always have control over what you get tagged in, but those posts can still be seen by your Facebook friends—or even worse, the public. Sometimes it’s an embarrassing photo or something you don’t want to be associated with. Take a few minutes to review your tags and remove anything you don’t want people to see. Better yet, set it up so you have to approve any tags before they show up on your timeline.

9. Your Birthday

We all love the flood of birthday messages on Facebook, but sharing your exact birthdate can be risky. Identity thieves can use it to steal your personal info or hack into accounts. Consider hiding your birthday—or at least keeping the year private—so it’s not out there for anyone to see.

10. Your Boss or Manager

It might feel tempting to add your boss or manager on Facebook, but mixing personal life with work can get awkward fast. Your boss doesn’t need to see every post, and some things are better kept separate from work. If you’re already connected, think about using privacy settings to limit what they can see.

11. Location Services

We all love showing off when we’re at a cool spot, but posting your real-time location isn’t always the best idea. If people know you’re out and about, they also know your home is empty. Turn off those location services or skip tagging where you are, especially if you’re alone or in an unfamiliar place.

12. Vacation Posts

As tempting as it is to post those vacation pics while you’re on the beach, doing so lets people know you’re away—and that your house might be empty. It’s smarter to wait until you’re back home to share those memories. You can still show off your fun vacation without broadcasting to the world that your place is unguarded.

13. Travel Tickets and Plans

Sharing a photo of your boarding pass or posting your travel itinerary seems harmless, but it actually opens you up to all kinds of risks. Predators can track your movements, and scammers can use details from your travel documents. Keep your travel plans off Facebook and share them privately with close friends instead.

Clean Up Your Facebook, Protect Your Future

In today’s digital age, our social media profiles can be a double-edged sword—offering connection while also exposing us to privacy risks. Cleaning up your Facebook is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. From potential cybercrimes to personal safety concerns, the content we share can have long-lasting consequences. As noted in cybersecurity studies, even seemingly harmless details can be leveraged by bad actors for identity theft or targeted scams​.

It’s crucial to recognize that once information is shared online, it can be hard to erase completely. “Remember, there is no ‘Delete’ button on the Internet”. Whether it’s personal photos, location data, or financial information, taking control of your privacy now can prevent unwanted risks in the future.

By following the 13 tips discussed, adjusting your privacy settings, and being more mindful of what you post, you’re taking essential steps to protect your digital self. Regular audits of your online presence, using features like two-factor authentication, and limiting what’s visible to the public can significantly reduce your vulnerability​.

In a world where over 3.8 billion people use social media, safeguarding your privacy is an ongoing effort. But it’s an effort worth making—for the sake of your safety, reputation, and peace of mind.