Instagram Reels Surge in Sensitive and Violent Content: Possible Reasons and Concerns

Image credits: REUTERS

Instagram users worldwide have taken to social media to express their concerns over a sudden surge in violent and not safe for work (NSFW) content on the platform's Reels feature. Many users have reported seeing disturbing videos, including gory content, in their feeds, even with Sensitive Content Control enabled. This has led to speculation over a potential bug in Instagram's content moderation system or a change in the platform's algorithm. According to reports, the issue seems to have started on Tuesday night, with numerous users stating that they encounter videos with sensitive content after only a handful of "normal" Reels.

The frequency of encounters with sensitive content is alarming, with some users claiming that their feeds have been flooded with violent and disturbing videos. This has sparked concerns over the platform's ability to moderate content and protect its users from harmful material. AI scans posts for sensitive content and limits their visibility, but a malfunction in the system could cause such content to be shown to a wider audience. Additionally, a change in Instagram's algorithm may have mistakenly prioritized certain posts, leading to the surge in sensitive and violent content. Some possible reasons behind the surge in sensitive content include a bug in Instagram's content moderation system, a change in the platform's algorithm, or a glitch in the system.

Instagram boasts over 2 billion monthly active users, and while short-form videos might not be an appealing factor for a subset of those 2 billion, Instagram’s Reels have undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the Instagram experience. Currently, Instagram Reels gain over 17.6 million watch hours daily, with users spending roughly half their time on the platform viewing Reels. The recent surge in graphic Reel content is a cause of concern, with users reporting a disturbing shift in Reels content pushed by Instagram. The platform's content moderation team is reportedly looking into the issue, but no official statement has been made. In the meantime, users can take steps to reset their Instagram algorithm and limit their exposure to sensitive content. To reset the algorithm, users can follow these steps:

• Visit your profile and click on the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
• Under the ‘What You See' tab, navigate to Content Preferences.
• Choose the Reset Suggested Content option.
• Confirm and complete the reset.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has not issued an official statement on the matter, but the issue has sparked a wider conversation about the platform's content moderation policies and the impact of algorithmic changes on user experience. The surge in violent content could be connected to a bug in Instagram's content moderation and/or algorithmic controls. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to address these concerns and ensure that users have a safe and positive experience on the platform. Users are advised to be cautious when using the platform and to report any sensitive or violent content they encounter.

Instagram's latest update may have mistakenly prioritized certain objectionable posts, leading to the surge in sensitive and violent content. Earlier, a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that Instagram Reels will recommend adult-themed videos to users who follow children and teen influencers, cheerleaders, and other young content creators. As per the report, "the platform served a mix of adult pornography and child-sexualizing material." An analysis of Meta's AI tracking suggested that older adults who view young content creators would also want to engage with content sexualizing children. The platform's content moderation policies and algorithmic changes have a significant impact on user experience, and it is crucial to address these concerns to ensure a safe and positive experience for all users.