Instagram's latest feature, which reveals when friends like, share, or comment on reels, has sparked criticism for potentially exposing sensitive user information. Users can opt out of sharing their likes by updating their app settings. The feature aims to inspire content discovery but has raised privacy concerns.
Instagram's New Feature Sparks Criticism: How to Hide Your Likes
Instagram's New Feature Sparks Criticism: How to Hide Your Likes
Instagram has introduced a new feature that shows when any of your contacts on the platform have liked, shared, or commented on a reels post. Fortunately, it's easy to opt out of sharing your likes. Here's how.
Instagram has recently begun the global rollout of a new feature that has garnered significant attention. The app now displays which reels your friends on the platform have liked, shared, or commented on.
Meta claims the feature is designed to inspire and make it easier to discover content with the help of friends.
However, criticism has been swift, with many arguing that the feature risks revealing sensitive aspects of users' lives, potentially leading to serious consequences, such as liking a politically charged reel. Some suggest the feature could "ruin relationships."
The information is available under a special friends tab in the app's reels section, but not all users seem to have access to it yet.
Easy to Turn Off
Those who do not want their likes exposed to others can opt out, provided they have received the update that includes the feature. A new menu option will appear in the app's settings, allowing users to choose not to share this information. Here's how:
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Ensure you have the latest version of Instagram by visiting the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
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Open the app and tap your account icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
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Tap the three-line icon in the top right corner of the screen to access settings.
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Scroll down to the section "Who can see your content."
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Go to the menu option "Activity on the Friends tab."
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Select the option "No one."
More New Features
Instagram is also launching the ability to share other people's public reels posts, similar to TikTok.
Additionally, Instagram has introduced a map feature that allows users to share their location with selected contacts. However, this feature has not yet reached Sweden.
It remains to be seen if Instagram will make any changes to the feature in response to the criticism.