Have you ever been annoyed by opening a social media app only to find your feed refreshes before you’ve even had a chance to scroll? Instagram, along with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has been a culprit of this frustrating behavior. But it seems Instagram has heard our collective groans.
The company has confirmed that it will no longer automatically refresh the feed when you launch the app. Instead, you’ll only see a refresh if you physically swipe up or down to scroll. This change, announced by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri in an AMA session, was not a bug, but a deliberate design choice.
Mosseri described the previous behavior as a “rug pull” – a cheeky reference to the crypto scam where developers suddenly abandon their projects after making a profit. He acknowledged the tactic was a poor decision, saying, “It’s really annoying.” The reasoning behind the rug pull was to load content quickly, as it took time for the feed to fully populate. However, Instagram ultimately realized that the negative user experience outweighed the potential engagement boost.
Beyond the feed refresh change, Instagram has been actively introducing updates to its platform. One notable initiative is a partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to combat the issue of digital sextortion. This campaign aims to educate young users about the signs of online abuse and manipulation.
Further measures have been implemented to protect younger users. Instagram Teen Accounts, designated for users under 16, now have stricter controls on interactions with strangers and require parental permission to adjust privacy settings.
In recent weeks, Instagram has also introduced new communication features, including AI-powered stickers, the ability to pin up to three chats at the top of your DMs, and the option to send silent messages and view-once content. These additions aim to enhance user communication and provide more control over interactions.
Instagram’s recent updates demonstrate a commitment to user experience and safety. The company is acknowledging past mistakes and making improvements based on user feedback. As the platform continues to evolve, we can expect more innovative features and a greater emphasis on user well-being.
