Instagram is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to privately downvote comments, a move aimed at curbing negativity and improving the overall experience on the platform. The feature, currently in a limited test phase, introduces a downward-facing arrow next to the like button in the comments section.
A Private Way to Dislike Comments
Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed the testing of this feature in a post on Threads. He emphasized that the dislike count will not be publicly visible, and users will not be notified if their comments are downvoted.
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“I want to be clear: this is a test, there is no dislike count, nor will anyone know if you tap the button,” Mosseri stated. He added that the company hopes this feature will make comments more positive and less hostile over time.
Potential Impact on Comment Rankings
Although the button is currently just a signal for individual users, Instagram may eventually incorporate it into its ranking algorithm. This means that comments receiving a high number of dislikes could be pushed lower in the thread, making them less visible.
A spokesperson for Instagram, Christine Pai, explained, “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 relevant, with a 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.”
Addressing Toxicity on Instagram
This initiative is part of Instagram’s broader effort to improve user experience and reduce negative interactions. According to Mosseri, many content creators have expressed concerns about the toxicity in comment sections, prompting Instagram to explore ways to make discussions more constructive.
“We’ve heard a lot of feedback, particularly from creators, that the comments can kind of get nasty and mean at times,” Mosseri said. “The idea is to allow people to downvote comments… We can use that signal to lower comments that might be aggressive.”
The move is reminiscent of similar attempts by Meta on Facebook, where the platform experimented with downvotes for comments in 2018 and 2020. However, those features were short-lived, as they did not significantly improve the user experience.
Risks of Misuse
While the feature aims to reduce harmful comments, there are concerns that it could be misused. Downvote systems on other platforms, such as Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), have sometimes been exploited by groups to suppress opposing viewpoints rather than genuinely filter out offensive content.
Meta is reportedly being cautious with its test group to prevent potential manipulation of the feature. Despite this, there remains skepticism about whether the downvote button will have a long-term impact or if it will ultimately be discarded like previous experiments.
Will the Feature Stay?
Given Meta’s history of testing and abandoning similar tools, it is unclear whether Instagram’s downvote button will become a permanent feature. For now, it remains in its trial phase, with the platform closely monitoring its effects.
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If successful, the dislike button could become a valuable tool for users seeking more control over their interactions on Instagram. However, its effectiveness in reducing negativity will depend on how Instagram manages potential abuses and integrates the feature into its broader moderation efforts.