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Is the New Instagram Down Arrow Making Comments Better or Worse?
Instagram added a small down arrow next to the “reply” and “translate” buttons in the comments section. I see it sometimes when I scroll through posts. This arrow lets me quietly say I don’t like a comment. No one else can see if I tap it—not the person who wrote the comment, not anyone else reading. It’s private.
Adam Mosseri, who runs Instagram, said this is just a test. Instagram wants to see if this helps make the comments section nicer. If I tap the down arrow, it tells Instagram that I think that comment isn’t helpful or maybe it’s mean. The goal is to help Instagram figure out which comments people don’t want to see at the top.
What Happens When I Use the Down Arrow?
- If a comment gets lots of down arrows, Instagram might move it lower in the list.
- People won’t see a number showing how many down arrows a comment got.
- The person who wrote the comment won’t know if I tapped the arrow.
- Only Instagram uses this info to change how comments show up.
Why Did Instagram Add This Feature?
Instagram wants to make comments more positive. Sometimes, comments can be rude or not helpful. The down arrow gives me a way to say, “I don’t want to see this,” without starting a fight or hurting anyone’s feelings. It’s different from a “dislike” button because it’s private. No one gets embarrassed, and there’s no public count.
How Does This Help Me?
- I can help make Instagram nicer by quietly marking bad comments.
- I don’t have to argue or reply to negative comments.
- Good, helpful comments should stay at the top.
- I feel more in control of what I see.
What’s Not So Great?
The feature is still being tested. Not everyone has it yet. Sometimes, even good comments might get pushed down if people use the arrow wrong. Instagram’s AI sometimes makes mistakes and bans accounts by accident. Some people are still waiting for fixes.
How to Use the Down Arrow
- Find a comment you don’t like.
- Tap the small down arrow next to “reply” and “translate.”
- That’s it. Instagram notes your feedback.
What Instagram Hopes to Achieve
- Less fighting in the comments.
- More positive and helpful conversations.
- A safer space for everyone.
Things to Remember
The down arrow is not a public “dislike.” It’s private feedback for Instagram. The feature may change or go away after testing.
Quick Facts
The down arrow only appears for some users right now. It’s meant to help Instagram sort comments. No one can see if I use it.
Instagram wants to make sure people feel good when they use the app. By letting me quietly tell them which comments aren’t helpful, they hope to make the community better. I like that it’s private, so no one gets singled out.
If I ever see the down arrow, I know it’s there to help me have a better experience. I can use it to help shape what I see, and maybe help others too.
If you need more help understanding how Instagram works or want tips for using social media in a positive way, I’m here to guide you.