In the newest app update to make social media a healthier environment, Instagram has removed the option for users to check the activity of people they follow.
Long gone are the days where one had the complete freedom to check the activity of their crushes. Users won’t be able to see what posts they’ve liked and what they’re commenting on.
The news was announced the 7th of October on Twitter by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram.
Today we're removing the 'Following' tab on Instagram, which was created to help people discover new posts and accounts their friends engage with. We're always trying to stay focused and keep Instagram simple, and so we celebrate launches and 'unshipping.' https://t.co/3kqD2xqV7J
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) October 7, 2019
“Today we’re removing the ‘Following’ tab on Instagram, which was created to help people discover new posts and accounts their friends engage with. We’re always trying to stay focused and keep Instagram simple, and so we celebrate launches and ‘unshipping.”
Instagram users will still be able to do what the ‘Following’ tab meant to. They can still discover new posts and connect with new people but through the Explore page instead.
This way the app users won’t be losing any of the key functions from the ‘Following’ tab while keeping it simple and easy to use.
While the plan to remove this feature sounds functional, many Instagram users were unimpressed and took to Twitter to complain…
Worst Instagram decision ever. You’ve basically removed the most social aspect of the social platform. Seeing others likes in interests is kind of the point. Put an opt out feature for those that don’t want to be a part of it rather than removing it entirely for those that do.
— Jenny (@mb20nut) October 8, 2019
Nooo this is not good this is an advance feature of Instagram which make it different from other app so please nooo.
— AAKANSHA BISHT (@AAKANSHABISHT2) October 8, 2019
IG takes away the following feature where I discovered many new accounts , but forces me to have 50 ads a day in my feed.
— Sarah-lover of all things not pumpkin spice (@sarahannokc70) October 8, 2019
On the other hand, some other Instagram users are completely unbothered by this new update.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by Reem Makari. Photo credit: Shutterstock.