Meta Platforms Inc. has announced that Instagram will allow select users to reset their content recommendations, effectively giving them a fresh start with the algorithm that curates posts and videos in their feed.
This initiative, currently in the testing phase but set to be implemented globally soon, aims to provide users with greater control over their experience when the content they encounter does not align with their current interests. Earlier this year, Instagram introduced privacy measures allowing teenage users to choose topics of interest such as books, travel, cooking, and sports, thereby personalizing their feeds. Additionally, the platform enables users to express their preferences regarding recommended videos and considers factors such as likes and shares to tailor content suggestions.
With the option to reset the recommendation algorithm, users will also have the opportunity to reassess the accounts they follow and decide if they wish to unfollow anyone. Meta emphasized in a recent blog post, “We want to make sure everyone on Instagram — especially teens — has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they’re spending on Instagram is valuable. We want to give teens new ways to shape their Instagram experience, so it can continue to reflect their passions and interests as they evolve.”
In an effort to engage younger audiences, Meta has been prioritizing entertainment-related content on Instagram, shifting away from a focus on news and politics. The company aims to enhance the amount of time young individuals spend on its platforms while steering clear of potentially divisive postings. Furthermore, there is a noticeable trend towards suggesting content from users not already followed, as Meta seeks to compete with TikTok, owned by ByteDance Ltd.
TikTok’s unique algorithm has been pivotal in its rapid ascent, recognized for its capability to promote content creators by suggesting their videos to audiences outside their follower base. With over one billion users globally, many of whom are teenagers, TikTok captivates users who often spend extensive time engaging with video content. Last year, TikTok also launched a feature allowing users to reset their video feeds and implemented measures to reduce exposure to potentially harmful content, including material related to sadness, extreme dieting, or sexually suggestive themes.
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