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How to find your oldest social media posts and delete them

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How to find your oldest social media posts and delete them

We’ve been living with social media for a long time now — Facebook opened up to the public in 2006 — and that means a lengthy trail of posts stretching back through the years. While this does let you take a nostalgic trip into the past with just a few clicks, it can also bring up some embarrassing and awkward memories.

Maybe your Twitter takes from 10 years ago haven’t aged well, or there’s an ex-partner you’d rather not remember, or you’re heading for a job interview and don’t want your would-be employers to judge who you are now from your decades-old social media posts.

Whatever the reason, you can find and delete ancient social media posts without too much difficulty using the web or mobile apps. (They say that anything on the internet is forever, of course, but you can do your best to at least somewhat mute your mistakes. Who knows? Maybe your potential new boss never heard of the Wayback Machine.) We’ve included instructions for Facebook, X, and Instagram, as these are the places where you’re most likely to have posted content you’ve long since forgotten about.

Facebook

With just a few clicks, you can travel back in Facebook time.
Screenshot: Facebook
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Facebook is closing in on 20 years of being available to anyone with an email address, so let’s start there. If you were around when Facebook first arrived, you’ll remember personal status updates were much more common than they are now — people even used to write on each other’s profiles, MySpace-style.

The easiest way to find your oldest posts is to load Facebook on the web:

  • Select your name (on the left) to see your profile.
  • At the top of the column with your posts listed on them (just below the What’s on your mind? field), look for and click on the Filters button.
  • Use the Go to drop-down menu to find the year you joined Facebook. (Don’t remember when you joined? We’ll tell you how to find that info in a moment.)
  • Click Done to see posts from that year.

You can go back through your posts on mobile, too.

  • Open your Facebook profile in the mobile app.
  • Scroll down to your posts and look for (and tap) the Filters link to the right.
  • With mobile, it’s a little more awkward; you can’t just jump to specific years but must tap through a calendar instead.

Don’t remember when you joined Facebook? That’s something you can find out, although the process is a little complicated:

You can find out when you joined Facebook by following a long list of links.
Screenshot: Facebook
  • Open Facebook and click your profile picture.
  • Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  • Look for the Account Center on the right side of your page. Select it and then go to Your Information and Permissions > Access Your Information > Personal Information
  • Your account creation date will be the first thing under Profile information.
  • Select your profile image in the upper-right corner.
  • Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Account Center > Your information and permissions > Access your information > Personal information
  • As with the web version, if you look for Profile information, you’ll see the date you created your account.

If you have a lot of posts to sift through, you can use other filters (like month) to narrow down the results. If you see something you want to get rid of, just click the three dots next to it, then click Delete post.

X / Twitter

Use search on X to find your older posts — the ones you created when it was called Twitter.
Screenshot: X Corp.
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X, which was previously known as Twitter, can often be a place for opinions and takes, and it’s possible — even probable — that some of them have aged better than others. If you want to go down memory lane (and assuming you haven’t already deactivated your account), you can get to your oldest tweets in a few ways, but using the platform’s built-in search engine is the most straightforward.

  • Type (from:username) until:yyyy-mm-dd since:yyyy-mm-dd in the search box at the top of the page. 
  • Change the username to your X handle, adjust the dates, and then hit Enter.
  • Click the Latest tab at the top to sort the posts chronologically.

To delete a tweet, click the three dots next to it, then click Delete.

If you don’t remember when you first joined, go to your Profile; the date you joined should be beneath your description.

If you want to use the mobile app for X instead, you can use the same search terms as above to find your tweets. Just tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen to get to the search box.

Instagram

It’s easy to find your oldest posts on the Instagram app.
Screenshot: Meta
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You can delete or archive old Instagram posts.
Screenshot: Meta

Instagram is only a few years behind Facebook and X when it comes to age, appearing in public for the first time in 2010. That’s a lot of years for photos and videos to build up on your public feed, even if a lot of Instagram activity is focused on Stories, which automatically disappear.

Here, you’re best off using the Instagram app on mobile:

  • Tap your profile picture (bottom right).
  • Tap on the three horizontal lines (top right).
  • Choose Your activity > Posts.
  • Tap Newest to oldest and change it to Oldest to newest.

Your first-ever Instagram posts will then appear at the top of the screen. If you want to be more specific in your search, tap the All dates drop-down menu, which lets you look for Instagram posts within a specific date range.

If you see something you’d rather not have on your Instagram profile, tap on the post, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and then choose Delete. The same menu lets you archive a post, which means you can still see it (and all the comments and likes), but it’s hidden for everyone else.

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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