How to Mute Friends on Social Media Without Straining Relationships

Learn how to mute friends on social media without damaging relationships. Experts reveal tips and insights.

October 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Many people find themselves muting friends on social media due to constant updates or comparisons, but could this action actually help preserve friendships rather than harm them? Experts weigh in on the best ways to handle these digital boundaries.

A YouGov survey found that nearly half of users have muted someone at least once, often as a middle ground between unfollowing and cutting off contact entirely. While it may seem like a harmless act, some psychologists suggest that muting can be a way to manage emotional triggers without fully severing a relationship.

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Experts like Susie Masterson, a BACP-accredited psychotherapist, and Dr. Carolyne Keenan, a psychologist, emphasize that social media can blur the lines between real-life connections and online personas. They argue that while we cannot control what others post, we can choose what we expose ourselves to, which can protect both our mental health and our relationships.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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