Why Facebook doesn't actually want you to unfollow anyone ever

The social network's new "Unfollow" button won't sever relationships that have gone sour

Facebook
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There are plenty of reasons to block certain acquaintances from your Facebook feed. Maybe it's that former colleague who shares nothing but feel-good emotional porn from Upworthy. Perhaps it's that ex who wasn't athletic when you dated but somehow manages to run a Tough Mudder every weekend. Maybe it's your quiet stand partner from high school who turned out to be kinda racist. Go ahead! Give 'em the ax.

Except de-friending someone on Facebook is about as easy as unsubscribing from relentless email spam — and that's by design. You have to go to the offender's profile page, find a not-all-that-obvious drop-down menu, and scroll down to "Unfriend."

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Chris Gayomali is the science and technology editor for TheWeek.com. Previously, he was a tech reporter at TIME. His work has also appeared in Men's Journal, Esquire, and The Atlantic, among other places. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.