Instagram, through a post on Adam Mosseri threads, Head of Instagram, announced the introduction of a new functionality that could upset the interaction that we have had to date with the contents of the social platform: I don’t like the “I don’t like” button. The “I don’t like” button will allow users to report, in a completely anonymous way, the comments that are considered offensive, irrelevant or simply not welcome. The goal of this functionality is twofold: on the one hand, it offers users the opportunity to express their disagreement without fear of repercussions; On the other hand, it allows Instagram to collect feedback on which comments they could be considered offensive or inadequate by the community. Mosseri explained that, based on the test results, these signals could be used to change the order of the comments, moving those with more reports “I don’t like” down to the list, in order to promote a more positive and respectful environment.
Currently experimentation is carried out on a small number of users.
“We are leading a test for a new button that will be positioned next to the comments on Instagram. This functionality will provide users with a private method to indicate their discomfort towards specific comments. It is important to specify that it is an experimental phase: there will be no display of the number of ‘I don’t like’ received and the identity of those who use the button will remain anonymous. In the future, we could consider the use of these feedback to change the order of comments, relegating those less welcome in less visible positions. Our goal with this initiative is to help create a more positive and welcoming interaction environment on Instagram. “, Mosseri writes.