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Instagram is testing a new ‘dislike’ button for comments, allowing users to privately signal when they find a comment irrelevant or unhelpful. This move aims to enhance the quality of interactions on the platform by downranking disliked comments.
In a recent post on Threads, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri verified the test, stating that the button will offer users a private method of expressing negative feedback on comments.
“We’re working on ways to help people better control their Instagram experience and what they’re seeing on the app,” said a Meta spokesperson. “We’re testing a new button next to each comment on a Reel or Feed post for people to privately signal they don’t feel good about that particular comment or find it irrelevant. We’re testing this with a very small group of people to start. Later, we may also test moving these comments lower down in the comments section to help create a better experience,” He stated.
A limited number of users are currently testing the feature, which is displayed next to remarks on both Feed posts and Reels. Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram will not display a public dislike count, ensuring user anonymity.
How the Instagram Dislike Button Works?
The new button allows Instagram users to indicate that they detest comments without informing other users. The platform may employ user feedback to improve its ranking algorithm for the comment section, thereby reducing the visibility of disfavoured content in the thread and increasing engagement.
Since its inception, Reddit has implemented its downvote feature to organise comments based on user input. Instagram appears to adhere to a similar trajectory to Reddit; however, it is uncertain whether the organisation will prioritise dislikes in the same manner as Reddit. The introduction of Instagram’s dislike icon has the potential to revolutionise the comment section by fostering meaningful interactions and reducing unwanted off-topic or negative comments.
The present phase of feature testing is concerned with the enhancement of Instagram’s implementation and the determination of its future status as a platform feature. Currently, the dislike icon is restricted to a small number of users; however, the platform intends to extend its availability to a broader audience in the event that the testing phase yields favourable outcomes.
