Threads Introduces Option for Users to Delete Profile Independently from Instagram Presence
Addressing one of the major concerns raised by initial users, the Threads team has implemented a crucial update that grants Threads users the ability to delete their Threads profile without affecting their Instagram presence.
Highlighted by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, the updated process within Threads settings, under the "Account" and "Delete or Deactivate Profile" sections, now allows users to conveniently deactivate their Threads profile. If left deactivated for a duration of 30 days, the profile will be permanently deleted. It's worth noting that this change will not impact your Instagram profile in any way.
Initially, due to Threads being built on the foundation of Instagram's infrastructure, users' Threads and Instagram profiles were intertwined. In other words, your Threads profile was treated as a subordinate element of your Instagram presence, rather than a distinct entity.
For some users, this connection became unsettling, as they wished to retain their Instagram profile while remaining undecided about Threads. Instagram recognized this issue and has successfully addressed it by creating a separation between the two platforms, empowering users with greater control over each.
It should be acknowledged that a Threads profile cannot exist without an accompanying Instagram presence, thereby fastening them together in a crucial way. Nevertheless, users now possess the freedom to eliminate their Threads presence without sacrificing their Instagram identity.
This development proves to be a positive stride and a commendable update. As Threads continues to expand, it becomes increasingly inevitable that it will establish a greater level of autonomy from Instagram. However, it is important to note that this separation does not extend to direct messages (DMs).
During a separate exchange on Threads, Mosseri stated unequivocally that DMs are currently not in the pipeline for Threads.
There remains a possibility that Threads profiles may eventually be linked to Instagram DMs, which would consequently connect them to Messenger and WhatsApp inboxes as well. However, based on Mosseri's statement, this integration is not currently prioritized by the Threads team.
Thus, Threads users experience a blend of positive and mixed outcomes. They can now delete their Threads profile independently, but the separation of DMs remains uncertain for the time being.