Millions of Instagram users have been left stunned by a sudden increase in graphic and explicit content appearing in their feeds, with many linking the surge to a recent update that introduced new functionalities to Instagram Notes.
New Notes Feature Raises Concerns
The updated Notes feature now allows users to create short-lived posts that can be shared with close friends or mutual followers. However, following the update, social media users began reporting a wave of violent and adult content appearing in their feeds, sparking widespread concerns on other platforms.
Glitch or Algorithm Change?
As Instagram is widely used by women and children, many users expressed shock and frustration over the unexpected appearance of disturbing content. Some speculate that it could be due to a glitch or an algorithmic change.
Although Meta has not yet issued an official statement, some experts suggest that a technical issue may have caused sensitive content to bypass Instagram’s usual filtering systems and reach a broader audience.
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Past Concerns About Instagram Content
Concerns over inappropriate content on Instagram are not new. Last year, reports revealed that Instagram Reels could recommend adult content to users following young influencers and creators, raising serious questions about content moderation and the safety of younger audiences.
How to Reset Your Instagram Feed
If you are experiencing unwanted content in your feed, follow these steps to reset your Instagram recommendations:
- Open the Instagram app and tap the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to “What You See” and select Content Preferences.
- Choose “Reset Suggested Content”—Instagram will notify you that this action is permanent.
- Confirm your selection to complete the reset.
After this, your feed should return to showing content aligned with your preferences.
