National Unfriend Day

The National Unfriend Day is observed annually on November 17, a tongue-in-cheek day encouraging social-media users to review and trim their digital friends lists.

History of National Unfriend Day

This informal observance was introduced by television host Jimmy Kimmel in 2010 during a segment on his show, where he suggested people should “unfriend” those on their Facebook friends list who weren’t truly friends.
Over time, November 17 has come to be recognised by various websites and blogs as the day each year to clean up social-media connections, even if primarily in a humorous spirit.

Why is National Unfriend Day important?

While meant as a lighthearted observance, the day brings attention to online social-media habits: how we accumulate “friends”, what digital connection means, and whether our networks reflect meaningful relationships. It invites personal reflection on whether social media supports or drains our wellbeing.
At its heart, the day suggests that quality of connection may matter more than quantity—and prompts action to manage one’s online space for healthier engagement.

Here are five simple things this day highlights:

• Re-evaluating who you follow or accept as a “friend” online.
• Recognising that some connections may no longer serve your wellbeing.
• Creating a more meaningful and manageable social-media network.
• Practising digital-self-care by removing unnecessary noise.
• Realising that removing a connection isn’t always personal—it can be a boundary for healthier engagement.

How to Observe National Unfriend Day

On November 17, spend a few minutes reviewing your friends or followers on social-media platforms. Consider unfollowing or unfriending those whose posts seldom bring value, joy or healthy connection. Emotionally, the day supports clearing out digital clutter so you feel more present and connected with those who matter.
Here are five practical ideas to observe:

• Scan your friends list and unfriend people you no longer interact with or trust.
• Unfollow broader accounts that flood your feed but you don’t engage with.
• Review privacy-settings and adjust who sees your posts and what you share.
• Post a lighthearted message about cleaning up your friend list with hashtag #NationalUnfriendDay.
• Take a digital “friend audit” periodically—mark old acquaintances to re-evaluate later rather than just instantly remove.

National Unfriend Day Dates Table