Instagram is set to introduce a feature that enables users to reset their feeds to provide a simple way to get out content they’d rather not see. It responds to concerns as to whether people are served content that is rarely relevant and useful, leading to their feed being flipped by irrelevant and repetitive content.

How the Feature Works

One of the updates will be the new reset option that enables users to hinge all the content preferences and give Instagram’s algorithm a clean slate. This is possible because after a platform has been reset, it begins making recommendations afresh given the new interactions such as likes, follows, and searches, amongst others.

The feature is incorporated in the settings menu accessible under the Account section, together with a hard reset called Reset Recommendations. This tool aims to provide more specific and less irritating recommendations for the user as well.

Why It Matters

The problem of relevance is closely connected with another vital aspect—the critics note that Instagram reveals posts that are too similar or, on the contrary, not interesting anymore. The reset feature is one of those Instagram responses to users’ concerns that focus on the application’s lack of personalisation and its attempts to enhance its users’ experience.

The update also aligns with other ongoing changes at Meta that promote transparency and empower users across its suite of applications. In that, Instagram is catering to pursuits calling for more flexible and individualised platforms by allowing users to reset their preferences.

Navigating the Risks between Engagement and User Autonomy

The reset feature is useful, to a certain extent, but it does provoke more questions about the heavily algorithmic approach to engagement on Instagram. This is especially achieved through the constant feed refreshes, which are essential for the functioning of the platform and personalised suggestion features; any constant interference with them might ruin the app.

For now, Instagram has not disclosed when they will be making the feature a global service, but the company has plans for the next few weeks. This update can be seen as an endeavour of Instagram to find a middle ground as to what the company wants to be and what the users want of it.