The DISLIKE Button: IG's Newest Feature
The DISLIKE Button: IG's Newest Feature
Let the social controversy begin, ‘cause I gotta be honest… I can see this being really brilliant, anddddddd I can see this being a sh*t storm of negativity and anxiety-inducing icon-warfare.
Here’s the scoop:
At the moment IG is testing the feature (ie: a downward arrow icon) soley on comments not the actual post. Instagram’s alleged goal with this dislike feature is to allow users to express disapproval of certain comments without affecting the post's overall visibility or engagement.
Being the good millennial that I am, I got a pen and paper (oh yes), and wrote down the pro’s and con’s. Here’s what I came up with:
The Pro List:
Maybeeeeee this could help filter out spam, trolling, and just plain nasty comments. If a bunch of people dislike (let’s name this mean person) “Greg’s” nasty comment, maybe it’ll get buried? Maybe the conversation gets healthier and more positive?
If the public uses this as a signal to highlight actual meaningful discussions over hate speech, creators may have more control on the tone of their comment sections.
Maybeeeeee people might think twice before dropping something offensive if they know it can be collectively disapproved of….?
The Con List:
1. Not to be Debbie Downer here butttt people on the ‘gram lovvvvvvve to misuse features 😭. I’m thinking hate groups (or just plain “Greg”-supporters) could mass-dislike comments just to shut someone down, even if they aren’t being rude.
2. If the dislike doesn’t make a comment disappear or notify Instagram for moderation, then uhhhhh what’s the point? Sounds like just another way to engage without solving toxicity.
3. Social media already gives people enough to stress about. Now we get to wonder, Did I just get ratio’d in the comments?
What do you think?
I’ll be keeping you guys updated as this feature either rolls its way to the masses or if IG decides to delete the whole testing experiment together.
Don't forget to subscribe to my FREE Substack for more in-depth strategy, free messaging (can't wait to connect with you), exclusive videos, online course discounts, andddddd live video sessions.
XX Idalia