Threads and Instagram Embrace Politics: A Shift in Meta's Strategy
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has announced a significant shift in the platform's content policy, reversing a previous stance that limited the visibility of political content.
A U-Turn on Political Recommendations
Until recently, Instagram and its sister app, Threads, defaulted to blocking recommendations of political content from accounts users don't follow. This move was part of a broader effort to create a "less angry place for conversations" and minimize exposure to potentially divisive topics.
However, under Meta's new "More Speech and Fewer Mistakes" moderation approach, this policy is being abandoned. Starting this week in the US and expanding globally next week, the platforms will automatically enable recommendations of political content. Users will have the option to adjust this setting, choosing between "less," "standard" (the default), and "more" political content.
A Response to User Demand (and Perhaps, Pressure)?
Mosseri acknowledged that this change is a direct response to user feedback, particularly from Threads users who have expressed a desire for more political content. This shift in user sentiment is likely influenced by various factors, including the evolving political climate and the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse.
A Shift in Meta's Priorities
This reversal in policy marks a significant departure from Meta's previous attempts to de-emphasize politics on its platforms. It also aligns with the company's recent moves to relax content moderation rules, which have drawn criticism from various quarters.
The Implications
This change is likely to have a significant impact on the user experience on both Instagram and Threads. It could lead to increased exposure to political content, potentially fueling debates and discussions on a wider range of issues.
The long-term effects of this policy shift remain to be seen. However, it's clear that Meta is making a conscious effort to re-engage with the political sphere, even as it navigates a complex and evolving landscape of online discourse.
