TechSoftwareAppsInstagram backpedals on its controversial change, for nowInstagram puts a temporary pause on changes until the PR storm blows overWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSoftwareAppsInstagram backpedals on its controversial change, for nowInstagram puts a temporary pause on changes until the PR storm blows overWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Instagram puts a temporary pause on changes until the PR storm blows over
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty)
(Image credit: Getty)
A few days agowe reportedthe widespread irritation at Meta’s changes to the Instagram app. The app designed primarily for you to see what people you follow are sharing has become an app that makes it quite hard to see what people you follow are sharing. It’s a bit buying a Ford and having the dealer fit square wheels when you’re not looking.
But Instagram’s owner Meta, formerly Facebook, hadn’t reckoned on the wrath of the Kardashians – so when the famous social media celebs said that Instagram was becoming rubbish, Meta quickly backpedalled.
So it’s official: Meta isn’t going to mess up Instagram until this particular PR storm blows over, at which point it’s going to mess up Instagram. I’m paraphrasing, but that’s the gist of it. AsGizmodobrilliantly put it: Instagram will pause updates until all the yelling stops.
Instagram is safe… for now
“Based on our findings and community feedback, we’re pausing the full-screen test on Instagram so we can explore other options, and we’re temporarily decreasing the number of recommendations you see in your feed,” the spokesperson told Gizmodo in an email. The key word there is “temporarily”.
The problem with Instagram is the same problem Facebook has: in order to make the money it wants to make, it can’t simply be an app that shows you what you want to see. And that means the product is always tilted towards what’s good for Meta, not what’s good for you. The writer Ed Zitron puts it very well in his latestSubstack: “Instagram – probably the smartest acquisition in Meta’s history – has lost its way because it isno longer about your friends or those you care about.”
To me, the current direction of Instagram is the same as we’ve seen with Facebook: the focus of the core product has changed. Instagram isn’t aping TikTok because we’re asking it to; it’s doing it because Meta wants to destroy TikTok. And if that means destroying the very thing most of us signed up to Instagram for – to see photos of our friends' cats and the odd celeb – then that’s what it’ll do.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Your friends' and follows' posts are the red balloon to lure you into the storm drain. We all float in sponsored content down here.
Today’s best Oculus Quest 2 deals5 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆Low Stock$322$259.95View$308View$499ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Oculus Quest 2 deals5 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆Low Stock$322$259.95View$308View$499ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Oculus Quest 2 deals
5 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
5 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
Low Stock$322$259.95View$308View$499View
Low Stock$322$259.95View
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
$322$259.95View
$322$259.95View
$322$259.95
$259.95
$308View
$308View
$308View
$308
$308
$499View
$499View
$499View
$499
$499
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Nutritionist reveals 3 foods you should eat before bed to stay warmStruggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
Struggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
R.A.D unveils the next generation of its iconic workout shoe with a redesigned upper and more cushioningThe first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks
The first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks
Bluesky just got a free update to make it more relaxingThe epic battle to beat X continues, and this time Bluesky’s in the lead
The epic battle to beat X continues, and this time Bluesky’s in the lead
Threads' imminent free update could make it the number one place to postThreads is adding key new features designed to make the biggest accounts' lives easier
Threads is adding key new features designed to make the biggest accounts' lives easier
Ray-Ban Meta glasses get their biggest free update yetRay-Ban’s bringing Live AI to your eyeballs and can name that tune too
Ray-Ban’s bringing Live AI to your eyeballs and can name that tune too
Facebook Messenger just got a huge free iPhone updateFacebook’s big new Messenger update adds new features and some iPhone-specific improvements
Facebook’s big new Messenger update adds new features and some iPhone-specific improvements
Meta AI finally gets a voice – several, in fact, including John Cena’sMy time is now!
My time is now!
Move over Apple Vision Pro, Meta just announced holographic AR glassesAnd you can control them through your mind
And you can control them through your mind
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are getting a whole lot smarter soonMeta set to add new AI features through numerous updates
Meta set to add new AI features through numerous updates
How to watch Meta Connect 2024 today – new Meta Quest headset expected to take on Vision ProMeta to host a keynote address to kick off its latest developers conference – here’s how to watch it live
Meta to host a keynote address to kick off its latest developers conference – here’s how to watch it live
