Users of Instagram’s Threads app may have noticed an uptick in borderline content recommendations in their “For You” feed recently. Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri acknowledged the problem, stating that the Threads team is actively working to address and rectify this issue on the 6-month-old platform.
The challenge of borderline content is not new to social media platforms, as discussed by Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg back in 2018. He highlighted the inherent difficulty in regulating sensational and provocative content, which tends to attract more user engagement, ultimately affecting the quality of public discourse and potentially leading to polarization.
Threads appears to be facing a similar challenge, possibly due to its rapid growth or real-time system refinements. Despite Meta’s extensive experience with platform algorithms, the issue persists. Zuckerberg previously suggested de-amplification as a solution, penalizing borderline content to reduce its distribution and engagement.
However, on Threads, finding the right balance between engaging and less controversial content remains a complex task. The app is undergoing a trial-and-error process to optimize user experience by adjusting the algorithm to showcase more relevant and less controversial content, aiming to maximize retention and engagement.
If users have observed an influx of questionable recommendations, it’s part of an ongoing process to understand user preferences and refine the algorithm. Mosseri assures users that improvements are underway, and they should soon experience a reduction in such content in their feeds. As Threads works towards correcting this balance, users can expect a more refined and enjoyable content experience in the future.
