In a significant policy reversal, Meta has announced that political content will be making a comeback on the feeds of Instagram and Threads users. Starting this week in the U.S. and rolling out globally next week, users will begin to see posts from political accounts they do not follow for the first time since the social media giant implemented strict limitations back in February
2024. This unexpected change has sparked a conversation about the balance between user desires for engaging content and the ongoing debate on the influence of political messaging on social media platforms. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Meta’s bold move, how you can manage your political content preferences, and the implications of these changes for the future of social media engagement.
Key Takeaways
- Meta is reintegrating political content into Instagram and Threads feeds for users not following those accounts.
- Users can customize their political content visibility on Instagram and Threads through specific settings.
- This change comes after feedback from users expressing a desire for more political content in their feeds.
The Shift in Meta’s Political Content Strategy
Meta is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to political content on its platforms, specifically Instagram and Threads. Starting this week in the U.S. and next week globally, the company will reintegrate political posts from accounts users do not follow back into their feeds. This decision marks a dramatic departure from a policy initiated in February 2024, which was aimed at minimizing the influx of political material unless users actively searched for it. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, highlighted the shift by mentioning that many users had expressed a desire to see more political content in their feeds. For those who wish to diminish or eliminate political content, both Instagram and Threads offer various settings to customize their experience. On Instagram, users can modify their content visibility settings by navigating to their profile, selecting the hamburger menu, then ‘What you see,’ and finally ‘Suggested content,’ where they can choose between three levels: Standard, See more, and See less, with ‘See less’ being the optimal choice for reducing political posts. Additionally, Instagram allows users to snooze suggested political posts for 30 days. On Threads, users can find similar options under their profile by accessing the hamburger menu, going to ‘Account,’ and then adjusting ‘Political content’ preferences. These features empower users to curate their social media experience according to their interests, balancing exposure to political discussions with their preferences.
How to Manage Your Political Content Preferences on Instagram and Threads
The recent shift in Meta’s approach to political content on Instagram and Threads has sparked significant user discussions, particularly on how to navigate these changes effectively. As Meta reintegrates political posts into feeds, it’s essential for users to understand their options for managing this influx. On Instagram, customizing your feed is straightforward. Begin by visiting your profile, then open the hamburger menu to access the ‘What you see’ section. Here, you can adjust your visibility settings by selecting ‘Suggested content.’ This allows you to choose between three options: Standard, See more, and See less. Opting for ‘See less’ is recommended for those looking to limit political posts, thereby creating a more tailored and enjoyable browsing experience. Adding to this, Instagram also introduces a temporary snooze function which allows users to mute such content for a full 30 days, providing a respite from political discussions if desired. In parallel, Threads offers a similar user-friendly approach, where users can find their political content settings by navigating to their profile, selecting the hamburger menu, and going to ‘Account.’ By carefully adjusting these settings, users can enjoy their social media experience without feeling overwhelmed by political content that may not align with their interests.