Instagram's recent move to limit the visibility of political content in users' feeds is a deliberate effort to steer away from recommending such content proactively, specifically on various recommendation surfaces like Explore, Reels, and Suggested Users. The platform clarified that users will still see political content from accounts they actively follow, ensuring that their preferences regarding political information are honored despite the overall decrease in visibility.
The definition of "political content" provided by Instagram includes topics related to laws, elections, and social issues, suggesting a broad scope that encompasses various aspects of societal and political discourse. However, the vagueness of this definition has raised concerns among experts, who fear that the lack of clarity might impact users' understanding of current political events and crucial topics, potentially skewing their perception of important issues affecting their communities and countries. This move comes at a time when social media platforms are increasingly becoming significant sources of news for a growing number of individuals, especially among young people who are turning to platforms like Instagram for information and updates.