Meta is directing its platforms in a direction emphasizing free speech. In a video shared Tuesday, Zuckerberg announced some big changes to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Instagram head Adam Mosseri vowed two weeks later that political content recommendations would roll out on Instagram and Threads this week.
Mosseri followed Zuckerberg’s message, elaborating on the updates in the form of an Instagram reel. He says that is a response to greater user demand for political content on Threads. Mosseri added that the company intends to ‘introduce political recommendations in a responsible and personalised way.’ “That’s more for those that want this content, less for those that don’t.”
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This adjustment should serve creators publishing political content on Instagram and Threads exceptionally well. In the past, the platform’s algorithm had previously shadowbanned political posts for users who weren’t already following those accounts.
Users will also be able to determine the frequency of posts discussing politics. They will have the options of “Less,” “Standard” (default), and “More” to set the recommendations they want.
Meta has been on the other side of this before. Instagram cut back on political content last year, wanting to make the app a ‘less angry place for conversations.’ However, the new approach balances free speech and user experience, providing a space for varying political discourse.
They will begin rolling in the U.S. this week and worldwide in the weeks ahead. Meta also hopes this will reduce the amount of flagging it has to do when posting about politics, giving users more flexibility to discuss the topic more freely.
Are you keen to see politics trending in your feed, or are you all about keeping things politics-free on Instagram and Threads?
