Social media users are about to gain more control over their feeds on Instagram and Threads, thanks to Meta’s latest update. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared that the intention behind these changes is to honor each user’s preference regarding political content. While some might seek it out, others prefer to steer clear, and Meta’s updates are specifically targeted towards respecting these varying interests. It is not only about filtering what appears in our feeds but also about offering users the choice to engage with political content on their terms.
Users can still tweak their settings to view more of such content
For those who still wish to stay informed about governmental, electoral, or societal issues, the option remains open. Users can tweak their settings to keep this door open, affecting only the content from public accounts in recommended sections like Explore and Reels. Importantly, this won’t affect the content from accounts one already follows, maintaining the personal touch of one’s social media feed.
This initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy
This initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy to distance its platforms from the contentious realms of news and politics. Considering the minimal political content in U.S. users’ feeds and the platforms’ stance on not promoting political content due to its limited engagement and potential for negativity, these updates are timely. As we edge closer to another presidential election, the balance between engagement and content quality becomes increasingly crucial.
Implications for content creators
Meta’s new policy also has implications for content creators, particularly those using their platforms professionally. The ability to check and contest recommendation eligibility through the Account Status feature provides a level of transparency and control, ensuring that creators understand how political content might affect their visibility.
