How do I request data from social media platforms?

Before participating in the study, please request your data directly from Facebook and/or WhatsApp and/or Instagram. You can donate data from each of these platforms. If you only want to donate data from one platform, please select the platform that is more important to you. Please take a close look at the corresponding instructions, as they contain important information for the further steps.

What type of device should I use?

Please make sure that you are storing the data on a device that no one but you has access to.

How long does the data export from Instagram take?

The data is requested with just a few clicks on Instagram (see the instructions below). You will receive a notification from Instagram as soon as the data is available for download and can then start participating in the study.

How can I delete my data from my device?

We strongly recommend that you delete your original data after completing the donation. Note that simply deleting the files may not be enough to permanently remove the data from your device. Further information on the permanent deletion of files can for example be found on the website of the University of Michigan or wethegeek.com and appletoolbox.com.

Overview of the download & donation procedure

  1. Open Instagram and log in.
  2. In your profile click on the "Menu" button (three lines) and select "Your activity".
  3. All the way on the bottom select “Download your information” and continue to the Accounts Center.
  4. Click on “Download or transfer information”.
  5. Click on “Some of your information”.
  6. Select “Messages” (under “Your Instagram activity”) and “Personal information” (under “Personal information”).
  7. Click on "Next".
  8. Pick a date range: We encourage you to request the data for 1 year but a shorter time span is possible as well.
  9. Change the format from HTML to JSON. Then change the media quality from “Medium” to “Low”.
  10. Click on "Create files". As soon as the file is ready for download, you will receive a notification from Instagram. This may take a while.

The official documentation on how to download your data can be found here.

If you have received your data using these instructions, continue to the quick test page first. If the test works, you can proceed to the declaration of consent and survey, and then donate your data.

Do you have your data ready?