Avid social media users will already know that Facebook and Messenger operate as two separate apps, despite both being run by the same organisation, accessing the same profile details and account information.
But while the user experience is different in so far as the apps that are used, one question that remains is whether it’s possible to use Messenger without a Facebook account.
In short, it is possible to access Messenger without a Facebook account – however, you have to have a Facebook account in order to first set up a Messenger profile.
Keep reading for more information on exactly how this works and how to do it…
Introducing Facebook’s Dema
Facebook has confirmed that users can still access Messenger without a Facebook account, via the use of a DEMA.
DEMA stands for Deactivated Except Messenger Account – essentially referring to a Messenger profile that was created under a Facebook account that has since been deactivated.
This is when a user creates a Facebook account and downloads Messenger as part of that experience, then goes on to deactivate their Facebook account while keeping their Messenger profile active. They end up still being able to message their Facebook friends, without actually having their Facebook account open and active.
What Happens Under a DEMA Profile?
Here are a few of the hallmarks of a DEMA profile that users need to be aware of:
- You are still able to chat with friends on Messenger
- Your profile will no longer appear or be searchable on Facebook, but your chat profile can be found via Messenger search
- You can reactivate your Facebook profile at any time
If you want to access the social benefits of Messenger and stay in touch with your friends, but don’t want the social pressures of a Facebook account that you feel you need to stay up to date with, then a DEMA could be the perfect solution.