How long should you store content in a social network app?
Storage policy, both image, video and in the database is a broad and difficult subject. Should you store everything infinitely like Facebook and Google? Why not?
Is it better to delete everything older than say one month?
It would perhaps be better for the environment, your privacy and my wallet.
What about links that no longer work?
Maybe a 404-Error: We think about your environment and are building a better future. Have a nice day!
What about users that have viral posts that no longer exists and that loses likes and views and comments?
Think about how many data centers Amazon, Google and Facebook have built. What is the impact? How much energy is needed? Maybe it's just a drop in the ocean.
Lots of things to think about..
I think it depends on user expectations. Generally, the default is store forever unless the user deletes. Some services have the expectation that content expires (stories on IG and Snapchat), so that's a different case. As far as the environment goes, my guess is that storing tons of content on S3 has very little environmental impact compared to other things that relate to your business (running servers, driving to an office, etc).
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