Why You Should Delete Facebook Messenger

Published on August 14, 2014

You may have already noticed Facebook Messenger shooting up to the top of the download charts in the iOS Store. Did you notice, however, that nearly 94% of the app ratings are only one-star?

Facebook Messenger has gotten a lot of flack recently, and for good reason. Aside from users being forced to download the totally separate Messenger app in order to continue using the mobile message function, there are numerous outrageous and onerous permissions Facebook Messenger requires users accept or enable (depending on your platform) before they use the app. Here they are as outlined by the Huffington Post.

In installing Facebook Messenger, you are allowing the app to (we are quoting):

  • Change the state of network connectivity
  • Call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.
  • Send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by sending messages without your confirmation.
  • Record audio with microphone. This permission allows the app to record audio at any time without your confirmation.
  • Take pictures and videos with the camera. This permission allows the app to use the camera at any time without your confirmation.
  • Read your phone's call log, including data about incoming and outgoing calls. This permission allows apps to save your call log data, and malicious apps may share call log data without your knowledge.
  • Read data about your contacts stored on your phone, including the frequency with which you've called, emailed, or communicated in other ways with specific individuals.
  • Read personal profile information stored on your device, such as your name and contact information. This means the app can identify you and may send your profile information to others.
  • Access the phone features of the device. This permission allows the app to determine the phone number and device IDs, whether a call is active, and the remote number connected by a call.
  • Get a list of accounts known by the phone. This may include any accounts created by applications you have installed.

...privacy feel a little violated? We don't blame you.

Granted, Facebook does need many of these permissions in order to send audio and video messages through the app. Granting these permissions from the beginning does allow for expedited communication.

However, the Messenger app just doesn't warrant its own separate download. The functions it provides supply little to no added benefit from the previously used message function on the Facebook app itself. In fact, we venture to say the app was MORE responsive in its prior format, as having to switch from app to app creates added load time.

In short? Save space on your phone, and just don't buy in to this new app. Vote with your downloads! We're hoping for a more palatable solution down the line.

In the meantime, choose one of the many FB Messenger alternatives. 

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