Instagram shows more ‘eating disorder adjacent’ content to vulnerable teens, internal Meta research shows, and that’s a pretty disturbing reality we need to grapple with. It’s like the platform, driven by algorithms designed to maximize engagement, is actively pushing users towards content that preys on their insecurities, fears, and vulnerabilities. This isn’t just about showing someone more of what they like; it’s about exploiting their weaknesses for profit.
The core issue seems to be that Meta’s algorithm is fundamentally built to capitalize on our obsessions, often those related to our perceived shortcomings. It’s almost as if the system is designed to identify and then amplify negative thought patterns.… Continue reading
Instagram is enhancing its safety measures for “Teen Accounts” by aligning content restrictions with PG-13 movie guidelines. This update, launched in response to parental concerns and studies highlighting potential risks, restricts exposure to content featuring strong language or promoting harmful behaviors. Teens will encounter broader blocking of search terms, limitations on following age-inappropriate accounts, and filtered AI chatbot responses. Meta is implementing these changes across the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with global rollout planned, allowing parents more control over their children’s experiences.
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Dutch court orders Meta to change Facebook and Instagram to default to non-profiled timelines, and this could be a real game-changer. It’s about time we got a bit of control back over our feeds, isn’t it? Imagine opening Facebook or Instagram and seeing posts from your friends and family, in the order they were posted. No more random articles from who-knows-where, no more curated content designed to keep you scrolling. Just the people you actually care about, sharing their lives.
This change, ordered by a Dutch court, mandates that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, must offer users a “direct and simple” way to opt out of the algorithm-driven timelines.… Continue reading
Following user reports of increased violent and graphic content appearing in their Instagram Reels feeds, Meta acknowledged a system error responsible for the inappropriate recommendations. The company issued an apology, stating the error has been rectified. Users reported seeing this content despite having sensitive content controls enabled to the highest setting. Meta employs a large team and AI technology to moderate content, aiming to prevent such issues, but this instance highlights a lapse in their system.
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Meta addressed user complaints regarding the automatic following of Donald Trump’s official presidential accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The company acknowledged technical difficulties preventing some users from unfollowing the accounts, emphasizing that users were not initially forced to follow them. These issues stemmed from the accounts’ transition under a new administration, a process Meta stated was consistent with previous transitions. Meta assured users that the problem was being addressed and would be resolved.
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Instagram will no longer recommend political content to its users. This recent announcement by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, comes as a response to renewed congressional scrutiny of major social media platforms. By default, Instagram and its sister app Threads will not promote political content, unless it is from accounts that users already follow. Users will also have the option to opt-in and see political content recommendations if they choose to do so. Similar controls will be rolled out on Facebook at a later date.
While this move may help combat the spread of misinformation and polarization, it raises some concerns.… Continue reading
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.… Continue reading
right, Instagram has recently announced that they will no longer recommend political content to users. This move has sparked a range of reactions and opinions from users across the platform. As I reflect on this decision, I find myself torn between different perspectives and contemplating the potential implications it may have.
On one hand, I can understand why Instagram has chosen to take this step. Social media platforms like Instagram have been facing intense scrutiny when it comes to the spread of misinformation and the radicalization of users. The algorithms that dictate what content we see have been accused of creating echo chambers that reinforce our existing beliefs and lead to the polarization of society.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker