The news fell on Threads, directly from Adam Mosseri’s pen. The Instagram boss unveiled the test of a highly anticipated feature by the community: a “I don’t like” button on the comments. An announcement that marks a turning point in the social network moderation strategy, so far mainly based on the direct reporting of problematic content.
This initiative is part of a broader approach to fight against online toxicity. The social networks giant relies on a subtle approach: no public counter or display of “dislikes”, but A automatic reorganization of comments based on negative user feedback.
A system designed to avoid drifts
The operation of the new slice button with the usual mechanisms of social networks. Unlike Youtube or Reddit, Instagram has chosen total discretion. Users can express their disagreement without fear of reprisals, since no one will know that they have used this function.
This confidentiality is not trivial. It responds to a major problem of social platforms: the pack effect. By making deprived of the button “I don’t like”, Instagram avoids Mass-Dislike campaigns that have long poisoned other networks. The system thus favors organic and democratic moderation, without giving additional weapons to the trolls.
The algorithm will use these returns as a signal to adjust the classification of comments. The admissive messages of many “dislikes” will gradually slide down conversationsreducing their visibility without censoring them. A balanced approach that preserves freedom of expression while limiting the impact of problematic content.
A crucial issue for the future of the platform
The toxicity of comments now represents one of the biggest challenges in Instagram. Studies show that negative interactions particularly affect young users, target public public. This situation pushes many creators to deactivate their comments, impoverished the social experience of the platform.
The introduction of the “I don’t like” button could change the situation. By giving users a discreet, but effective tool to shape their environment, Instagram hopes to create a virtuous circle. Constructive comments will naturally gain visibility, while toxic messages will gradually lose their impact.
This strategy is based on the collective intelligence of the community. Rather than entrusting moderation only to algorithms or teams of moderators, Instagram relies on the judgment of its users. An approach that could be more effective in identifying the shades of language and the context of conversations.
If experience is conclusive, this feature could be deployed worldwide. Beware, however, of the risk of seeing minority opinions, but legitimate systematically pushed down conversations.
- Instagram tests a private “I don’t like” button on the comments
- Comments receiving many “dislikes” will be less visible
- The objective is to reduce toxicity while preserving freedom of expression
