"Instagram's new Reels feature reveals friends' engagement, sparking privacy concerns."
Matilda
Instagram Reels: A Social Dilemma?
Instagram is reintroducing a feature reminiscent of its controversial "activity" feed, this time tailored for its short-form video platform, Reels. A new tab will showcase Reels that your friends have liked or commented on, offering a glimpse into their viewing habits. While Instagram aims to foster social connection through shared content, this move raises concerns about user privacy and the potential for social pressure. A Walk Down Memory Lane (and Controversy) Remember Instagram's old "activity" feed? It displayed a chronological list of your friends' actions, including likes, comments, and follows. While initially popular, it quickly became a breeding ground for anxiety and FOMO. Users felt pressured to constantly monitor their feeds to avoid missing out or appearing "uncool." This led to significant backlash, ultimately prompting Instagram to remove the feature in 2019. Reels: The New Battleground Now, with the rise of Reels, Instagram is revisi…
