Instagram is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to privately flag comments they find unhelpful or inappropriate. After users spotted a mysterious button for downvoting remarks, the company confirmed it’s testing a system to let people quietly express disapproval without publicly shaming others.
The trial, active on both regular posts and Reels, hides the dislike tally completely. In a Threads post, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri clarified that the button is entirely anonymous—no one, including the commenter, will know who tapped it. Over time, these downvotes could push flagged comments further down the thread to prioritize more constructive interactions.
“We’re testing this as a subtle tool to improve the tone of conversations. Think of it as a silent nudge, not a public callout,” Mosseri explained. “If it works, disliked comments might sink lower, making discussions healthier overall.”
The move follows leaks last month by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who hinted at the feature’s development. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, confirmed the test aims to refine comment sections by letting users shape their own experience.
A spokesperson noted, “We’re starting small, but eventually, these signals could help us highlight more meaningful interactions. Think of it as crowdsourcing positivity.”
While reminiscent of Reddit’s long-standing upvote/downvote system, Meta hasn’t revealed how heavily these dislikes will influence rankings compared to its rival. For now, the focus remains on giving users quieter ways to steer the platform’s vibe—one discreet tap at a time.
Photo: Pixabay
