A recent study by Mobile Federation has revealed Instagram and Facebook are the top two apps residents of Sydney are keen to delete.

The study analysed the average number of monthly Google searches across 12 months for terms such as ‘delete [app]’, ‘remove [app]’, and ‘how to delete [app]’. The findings suggest a growing desire among Australians to reduce their screen time and possibly, their engagement with social media platforms.

According to the study, Instagram topped the list with an average of 3,342 monthly Google searches relating to deleting the app. Facebook followed closely with an average of 2,996 monthly searches. The study also revealed that across Australia, Facebook is the app most people want to delete, with a monthly average of 12,492 Google searches relating to deleting it.

“According to a government report released in June this year, more than a third (36%) of Australians spend over five hours per day on their mobile phones, so it is no surprise many are looking to reduce their screen time by uninstalling these time-consuming apps,” said Shing Phang, CEO of Mobile Federation.

The study also highlighted the most searched-for terms in Sydney. ‘Delete Instagram account’ topped the list with a monthly average of 2,742 Google searches. The second most searched-for term was ‘delete Facebook account’, with a monthly average of 1,675 searches.

Snapchat was the third most desired app to delete among Sydney residents, with a monthly average of 1,868 Google searches relating to deleting the app. Google and Telegram followed, with monthly averages of 1,578 and 1,433 searches respectively.

“The majority of the apps Australians want to delete are social media apps, suggesting that for many people, social media is no longer an enjoyable experience for many,” added Phang.

The study used data from Google Keyword Planner based on searches over the past 12 months to reveal the rankings of the apps people are most interested in deleting in 2024. A list of 83 unique apps was collated based on popular apps both globally and specific to Australia. The data produced a list of the most popular apps to delete nationwide as well as the top five most deleted apps in each specific Australian city.