Instagram is launching a new "reset" option that allows users to completely overhaul their content recommendations, including Feeds, Reels, and the Explore page. This feature essentially erases past activity and gives the app a fresh start in learning user preferences.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, described the move as transformative. “It's going to make your Instagram much less interesting at first because we're going to treat you as if we know nothing about your interests,” he explained in a video update. However, the feature is designed to give users more control over their experience.
The reset option differs from tools like marking content as "Not Interested" or using the "Hidden Words" filter. Instead of tweaking individual preferences, it performs a full reset of Instagram’s recommendation algorithm, offering users a clean slate.
Should You Go For It?
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has emphasized that this feature is part of its broader strategy to enhance user safety and control, especially for teens. Earlier this year, the platform rolled out privacy improvements that allowed younger users to select specific interests such as travel or sports to tailor their content.
With the reset feature, users can manually restart the algorithm when they feel suggestions no longer align with their interests. The process, which is available in the app’s content preferences settings, doesn’t impact personal data or advertising algorithms but focuses solely on content recommendations.
Meta encourages users to pair this reset with a review of their followed accounts to further fine-tune their Instagram experience. In a blog post, the company stated, “Our aim is to ensure everyone, especially teens, has a positive and valuable experience on Instagram.”
Broader Implications
The update comes as Meta faces criticism from European regulators regarding its algorithms, which some argue could promote addictive behavior. The reset feature reflects Instagram’s effort to strike a balance between user autonomy and the app’s content discovery features, a move to stay competitive in the face of platforms like TikTok.
Currently in testing, the reset feature will be available globally in the coming weeks. Meta sees this as a step forward in helping users shape their Instagram journeys to better reflect their evolving interests and needs.
