In a Senate subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri made an announcement. He said that Instagram will bring back the chronological feed by next year.
For instance, it’s a version of Instagram feed that would show users’ posts all in sequential order. Unlike its current version of an algorithm that arranges posts based on the user’s choices.
Although it might stir some mixed reactions from users, Mosseri said the chronological version was in the works “for months.” Also, the company is “targeting the first quarter of next year” for its launch.
We want people to have meaningful control over their experience. We’ve been experimenting with Favorites, a way for you to decide whose posts you want to see higher up, and we’re working on another option to see posts from people you follow in chronological order.
— Instagram Comms (@InstagramComms) December 8, 2021
Back in 2016, Instagram dropped the chronological version over a layout that was based on the algorithms drive. Users disliked and scrutinized that change. It was updated and changed in 2017 which included the recommended posts.
However, Mosseri opposed the decision. He claimed in a blog post that “people were missing 70 percent of all the posts in the Feed, including almost half of posts from their close connections.”
Moreover, the current Instagram feed uses an algorithm that they consider more personalized. As it is based on the users’ likes and activities. Though it stayed unpopular among Instagram users despite the company’s assumptions.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri says they've been working "for months" on a chronological version of instagram.
Instagram was already chronological from its launch in 2010 up until 2016, when it claimed a non-chronological feed would "improve user experience." pic.twitter.com/zGKcemGBTP
— The Recount (@therecount) December 8, 2021
Instagram Security Updates
At the Senate hearing, the senate subcommittee interrogated Mosseri about the child security issues on the platform. This was driven by the revelations and testimonies of whistleblower Frances Haugen. Haugen’s internal documents are showing that the company knows their app might be toxic for teenagers.
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Mosseri defended by laying out a proposal of creating an “industry body” that would regulate the best practices when it comes to managing children’s data and parental controls. This way children can be safe online.
The senators’ reaction is full of skepticism with regards to the effectiveness of the “industry body”. On Tuesday, an opt-in feature called “Take a Break” will roll out. This will allow users to suspend use temporarily after someone exceeds the time set on the app.
The announcement of Instagram changes came one day after the introduction of new parental controls. Which will take effect in March. Through this new feature, parents can see and limit the amount of time their children use the app.
