Have You Ever Blocked a Family Member on Social Media?
Written byHeather Porter
Published Date September 18, 2024
Share article
Social media offers us a chance to stay connected – sometimes, too connected. Despite our best efforts, many of us have an unsavory person or two clogging up our timelines. But what happens when that person is our own family?
Like we all have that one family member that gets too drunk and loud at a party, safe to say nearly all of us have a family member we’d rather not connect with on social media. Friction with family members is as old as humanity itself, so it stands to reason that being connected with family on a near-constant basis on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok would make matters worse.
Some people go as far as blocking, muting, or unfollowing their closest family members on social media just to keep the peace. What motivates this decision? We studied UK social media users to find out what motivates them to click “block” not just for frenemies, but aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and immediate family members alike.
Key findings
53% of UK Facebook users say they’ve blocked a family member on the platform, compared to 28% on Instagram and 20% on TikTok
The top reason for blocking a family member on Facebook is posting hateful, toxic, or problematic content.
TikTok and Instagram users are blocking their family members because they don’t wish for them to know about their personal lives
Posting of fake news, political content, and religious content were also notable reasons for blocking family members
Blocked: it’s a family affair
According to our study, 53% of Facebook users in the UK admitted to blocking a family member. On Instagram, this number is lower at 28%, and on TikTok, only 20% reported blocking a family member. That’s an average of 34% across social media platforms, meaning over one-third of UK users refuse to see content from family members online.
But blocking is an extreme measure. Some take it incredibly personally, and it can cause conflict when the other party finds out. With that in mind, why are these blocks happening in the UK anyway?
The Facebook problem
Facebook, often viewed as the ultimate platform for connecting with friends and family, is now seeing increasing conflict between generations. More than half of UK Facebook users reported having blocked a family member, primarily due to the sharing of toxic or problematic content.
Political and religious debates, as well as the spread of misinformation, have led to mounting tension. Finding it difficult to relate to others (or even recognizing what content is real or not) is proving to be an issue on Facebook, as AI-generated spam content continues to proliferate on Zuckerberg’s site.
Advertiser Disclosure: Content on this site will contain reference to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you view ads or click on links to those products or services.
First deposit only. Min deposit & spend £20. Max 100 spins on Big Bass Secrets of The Golden Lake 10p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £20. 18+ Full T&Cs apply.
Instagram and TikTok – privacy is key
When it comes to Instagram and TikTok, the main motivation for blocking family members shifts from avoiding their posts to protecting your own. Younger users are more inclined to block family members on these apps, simply because they consider them their private spaces, and want to keep them for themselves.
Young people hone their algorithms (not to mention the personal content they post) to reflect their lifestyles, interests, and opinions – in some cases, exploring areas of identity far different from their families. Many people prefer to keep these sides of themselves away from family scrutiny.
Across all platforms, respondents also identified other notable reasons for blocking family, including the desire to avoid their posting of fake news, political views, and religious content.
Where in the UK is family most likely to be blocked?
When broken down by city, some local family blocking trends emerge. Data from major UK cities reveals Glasgow as a hotspot, with a notable 44% of residents reporting they’ve said sayonara to a family member’s social media posts. Over 60% of Glasgow residents have blocked a family member on Facebook alone, the same rate as Londoners.
Cambridge and Edinburgh follow Glasgow with substantial blocking rates, with 42% and 41% of users admitting to blocking a family member on social media, respectively.
The city least likely to block their family is Belfast, at an average of 23%. Either they’re doing something right, or they simply stay off the internet.
First deposit only.This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 80 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Spin Value: £0.10. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. Irregular play may lead to removal of rewards. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
Whatever it takes to keep the peace
Whether it’s due to a desire to avoid toxic content or the ever-present young person’s keenness to maintain privacy, it’s doubtful that blocking family members on social media will decrease any time soon. As social media usage continues to permeate every aspect of life, managing our relationships online, especially with family, has become a delicate balance. Family members may just have to work harder to stay connected, literally and figuratively.
Methodology
This survey was conducted in September 2024 utilizing a pool of 2,500 United Kingdom residents who are regular users of social media. Respondents’ average age is 33, and 46% identify as men, 51% women, and 3% other gender identities.
Fair Use
If you’d like to share this data, you are welcome to utilize any of the information or graphics above for non-commercial use. Just make sure to include a linked attribution to this page in your article.
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
22. Apr 202515:59
The Stars and Luck: Russell Grant on Astrology, Bingo, and Cosmic Fortune
For decades, Russell Grant has been a trusted name in astrology, offering cosmic insights that blend wisdom with his signature charm. But can the stars truly influence luck? Do certain zodiac signs have a better shot at winning games of chance? And what does astrology say about strategy, intuition, and fortune? WhichBingo wanted to get to the bottom of this. We sat down with the iconic astrologer to chat about…
by
Killian Morris
5min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
27. Mar 202516:57
Exclusive Inside Look: The Club 3000 Bingo Video Series Dropping Soon
Get ready for a brand new WhichBingo video series featuring one of the biggest brands in UK bingo, Club 3000 Bingo, along with a few famous faces. The trailer for episode one is now out, with the first episode dropping on the 3rd of April. From each Thursday after, a special new video will be released, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what makes this bingo so special. In Inside…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
15. May 202507:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
11. Mar 202516:42
200,000 Votes and Counting So Far in the 2025 WhichBingo Awards
WhichBingo, one of the UK’s best known and most trusted online bingo review and affiliate sites, owned and operated by Gambling.com Group, is delighted to reveal that more than 200,000 votes have so far been cast in the annual WhichBingo Awards. With just under a month to go, there is still plenty of time to vote, with the closing date for nominations being the 4th of April, 2025. Commenting on the…
by
Charles Shakespeare
3min
16. Dec 202412:32
The Best New Christmas Slot Releases 2024
Christmas is just around the corner and one of the easiest ways online slot players can get into the festive spirit is by spinning the reels of Xmas themed slot games. The good news is that it looks like Santa has come early this year as there is already a multitude of fantastic new Xmas themed slot releases available to spin! This includes top titles such as Santa’s Xmas Rush,…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
16. Apr 202512:35
Hook, Line & Winner: Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo Goes Live
Fishin’ Frenzy Bingo is a brand new bingo game, the latest innovation in the bingo world, offering players like yourself an exciting new twist on the classic 90-ball bingo game. This game combines the fun of bingo with the excitement of slot features, jackpots, and bonus rounds, all while staying true to the famous Fishin’ Frenzy brand. The game looks great and is totally in line with the brand’s design…
by
Esther Rubin
2min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Sep 202410:48
Betting Company Flutter Shows Community Spirit with £400k Cash4Clubs Initiative
Flutter UKI, the betting company behind brands Paddy Power Bingo, Betfair, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola, shows that giving back can be a priority. As part of its Do More initiative which hopes to improve the lives of 10 million people by 2030, Flutter UKI has proudly announced the return of its flagship Cash4Clubs programme, offering financial support to grassroots sports organisations. For 2024, Cash4Clubs will offer a massive…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
12. Aug 202408:15
Mecca Bingo’s New Ad Campaign ‘Legends of Play’ – A Historical Hoot
Legends of Play Nothing to see here, just Mecca Bingo doing typical Mecca Bingo things—bringing a mix of comedy, quirkiness, and memorable voiceovers (shoutout to Jessica Knappett) to the bingo scene. Its new ad series, ‘Legends of Play since back in the day’ kicks off with Henry VIII celebrating a big win on his jewel-encrusted (mobile!) phone in a grand banquet hall. Anne Boleyn makes a frowning cameo as Knappett…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
28. Nov 202415:45
Two Developments in UK Gambling Designed to Protect Players
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced two measures to improve player protection designed to reduce the risks of gambling addiction while ensuring that more operators contribute to helping people affected. The changes involve new stake limits and a statutory levy. Let’s read more about it. 1. New Stake Limits While full details have yet to be outlined, based on the Gambling Review’s White Paper, the…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
20. Nov 202415:49
Safer Gambling Week 2024: Promoting Positive Play and Industry Support
Safer gambling week is upon us once again but what does that mean for the gambling industry and those who play? For gambling companies it is an opportunity to engage with their customers and promote the various tools that are on offer to help players manage their gambling spend, their time spent gambling and their access to gambling. For consumers it is a chance to have open and honest conversations…
by
Rob Mabbett
3min
17. Nov 202406:55
Safer Gambling Week 2024: An Important Conversation
For most people, gambling is a fun thing to do. A small deposit, a few wagers, or a cheeky flutter here and there can add a bit of thrill to your day. But for some, gambling can get out of control, creating financial and emotional challenges… or worse. That’s why Safer Gambling Week 2024 (SGW) which is running from Monday 18th of November to Sunday 24th of November is so…
by
Esther Rubin
3min
13. Jun 202410:59
Rise in Safer Gambling Tools Use During Safer Gambling Week
New figures released have shown a substantial uptake in the use of safer gambling tools during last year’s Safer Gambling Week. 2023’s Safer Gambling Week was held from November 13th to November 19th and promoted an exciting campaign on the use of safer gambling tools when gambling. Safer Gambling Week is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council and is in its 7th year. It brings together many different areas…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
1min
12. Jun 202509:01
Win Your Own Celebrity Hosted Bingo BBQ Party
Fancy a summer party with a twist? We’re bringing bingo, BBQ, and a celeb straight to your back garden. To celebrate not just the return of summer but also National Bingo Week kicking off on the 23rd of June, the team at WhichBingo are giving one lucky winner the chance to win their very own Bingo BBQ Party, complete with: We’ll bring the party to you whether you’re in Birmingham…
by
Killian Morris
3min
6. Jun 202513:45
Love Island Through the Ages
What the Cast Would’ve Looked Like in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90’s and predictions for 2050 With Love Island returning to our screens next week, it’s time to pop on the lip gloss, top up the fake tan, and get ready for another summer of slow-burn romance, bombshell drama, and recoupling chaos. But what if the villa had opened its doors in another decade? What if the Islanders strutted their…
by
Killian Morris
4min
15. May 202507:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025 – Gala Crowned the Best Bingo Site By You
The WhichBingo Awards are over for another year and what an exciting one it has been! Since first launching in 2014, the WhichBingo Awards have become one of the most coveted awards in the industry and our event this year held on May 14th was a huge success. Once again, the WhichBingo Awards 2025 took place on the beautiful Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, so really there are no losers for…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
3min
7. May 202520:00
WhichBingo Awards 2025: A Night of Glitz, Games & Celebs
One of the most anticipated events in the online bingo calendar is almost here — the WhichBingo Awards 2025. Taking place on 14 May aboard the stunning Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Gibraltar, this glamorous evening promises a mix of celebration, recognition, and top-notch entertainment. Dabbers Bingo will be on hand again this year to provide the entertainment. A Star-Studded Guest Line-Up This year’s awards will shine even brighter thanks to…
by
Jennifer McFadyen
2min
Updated October 7, 2024
Reader comments
Thank you for sharing!
Your comment is awaiting moderation and will be posted soon. Thank you for taking part in our discussion and helping fellow players!
Get the best bingo and slots offers weekly via email
Sign up to receive the latest bingo and casino promotions
Reader comments