The study, by researchers at Cornell University in the US, found that people flee Facebook for a variety of reasons, such as concerns about using it too much or issues in regards to the service's privacy policies. Some respondents said they were tired of engaging in shallow or banal social interactions, said lead researcher Eric Baumer. Others left or suspended activity to avoid being friended by a boss, a student or former romantic partners.
Of 410 people who responded to an online questionnaire, 46 reported that they had deactivated their Facebook account. More than 90 percent of those said they were happy with their decision, and most stayed away. Others were not able to completely cut themselves off, but nonetheless reported taking breaks from using the site, the researchers wrote.
The desire to quit Facebook isn't a new phenomenon. Back in February, a Pew study asked Facebook users if they had ever taken a break, and if so, why. More than 60 percent said they had taken a few weeks off before, although they may not have deactivated their account.
Even so, Facebook users continue to surge, with the company reporting yesterday that the total and daily active users increased by about 25 percent last year.