By John Q. Hosedrinker Instagram will no longer recommend political content to its users. As someone who greatly enjoys scrolling through my feed to see cute cat photos and catch up with friends, I welcome this decision. I’ve always felt that politics and social issues have the potential to cause unnecessary division and conflict on social media platforms. While I understand that there are important conversations to be had around these topics, I believe that it is best for individuals to actively seek out political content if they are interested, rather than having it pushed onto them.
The problem with including “social topics” in what is considered political is that it can lead to a never-ending debate about what should or shouldn’t be classified as political. For example, someone openly expressing their LGBT identity could be seen as political depending on the definition used. But their existence is not inherently political; it is simply a part of who they are. By blocking anything that references a politician, Instagram is taking a valid step to avoid pushing biased political views onto its users. However, blocking all social topics seems excessive and may inadvertently silence individuals or communities that are already marginalized.
I do agree that Instagram should focus on showing me content from the people and pages I follow instead of trying to push suggested posts onto my feed. It is frustrating when content that is unrelated to my interests keeps appearing in between the things I intentionally follow. The solution is simple: show me what I want to see, and allow me to explore and discover new content at my own pace.
There is a concern that by avoiding political content, Instagram may also be avoiding important discussions surrounding women’s rights, minority issues, and other social justice topics. However, I believe that the line between political activism and basic discussion can be hard to define. It is important to encourage healthy dialogue and understanding without pushing divisive narratives. By excluding all political content from recommendation algorithms, Instagram may be trying to prevent biased narratives from dominating the platform.
Of course, there will always be instances where certain groups or topics are treated differently due to their association with political issues. Unfortunately, this can lead to censorship and the suppression of voices. It’s a delicate balance to strike, and Instagram will need to carefully navigate these challenges to ensure that they create a platform that is inclusive and respectful of diverse opinions.
It’s worth noting that Instagram’s decision to avoid recommending political content may be driven by a desire for higher engagement rather than a commitment to creating a more harmonious platform. In the midst of an election year, they may want to avoid the potential negative impact that political content can have on user engagement. While their intentions may not be solely based on improving the user experience, I still believe that the outcome of avoiding political content can be beneficial.
In conclusion, the decision by Instagram to no longer recommend political content to its users has its merits. By focusing on individual preferences and interests, Instagram can create a more enjoyable and personalized experience for its users. However, it is important for Instagram to strike a balance between avoiding biased narratives and facilitating healthy discussions. Only time will tell how this decision will shape the platform, but for now, I am hopeful that it will lead to a more positive and inclusive environment.