Instagram Revives ‘Activity’ Feature for Reels, Sparking Privacy Concerns
Instagram is set to reintroduce a feature reminiscent of its old “activity” feed, now tailored specifically for the platform’s Reels format. The social media giant announced a new tab in the Reels feed that will display videos liked or commented on by a user’s friends, aiming to enhance user engagement and foster connections.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, emphasized that the primary goal of this feature is to strengthen connections between users rather than simply providing entertaining content. The new tab will allow users to see which of their friends have liked a video or left a temporary “note” on a Reel.
However, this move has raised concerns about privacy and potential discomfort among users. Some worry that the feature may expose their content preferences to their entire friend network, potentially leading to embarrassment or unwanted scrutiny. This development could potentially discourage public engagement with content as users become more cautious about broadcasting their likes and comments.
The introduction of this feature stands in contrast to decisions made by other social media platforms. For instance, X (formerly Twitter) has opted to hide users’ liked posts to protect privacy and avoid public scrutiny. The potential for unwanted exposure of personal interests remains a significant concern for many social media users.
From a strategic perspective, this move could provide Instagram with an advantage, particularly if its main competitor, TikTok, faces regulatory challenges in the United States. Reels, Instagram’s answer to TikTok, has been struggling to replicate the unique environment that has made TikTok so popular.
While the new feature might attract some users to Reels by increasing social interaction, it could also deter those who are wary of publicizing their interests. As Instagram continues to evolve its platform, the balance between fostering engagement and respecting user privacy remains a critical challenge.