New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….
Original story (published on December 21, 2022) follows:
The Instagram algorithm works in a way that presents content based on the posts you like, follow, or interact with.
However, there have been many instances where this algorithm breaks and starts serving atypical stuff. For instance, some users recently started seeing NSFW or explicit content on Instagram.
We also once came across an issue where the ‘Explore Page’ kept resetting or showing nature images.
Instagram spam pages and bots
A number of Instagram users (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) are now worried about the unusual rise of spam pages and bots on their accounts.
My instagram notifications are almost exclusively spam. Anybody else? That platform is degrading.
Source
the amount of spam accounts on instagram is so fucking annoying. like who the fuck is glizzygobbler7532???
Source
According to reports, these spam pages are making their way into users’ feeds in an almost uncontrollable way. A majority of these bots are even found randomly liking their stories (1,2,3,4,5).
It seems that a lot of these spam pages and bots also promote obscenity and pornographic content (1,2,3,4). It’s even more embarrassing when such accounts start following users.
Moreover, some users are frustrated by these bots sliding into their DMs. This has seemingly prompted some to turn their accounts private.
No official word in sight
Though the ever-increasing spam accounts and bots on Instagram are quite alarming, the developers have not yet acknowledged the issue.
We hope Instagram takes users’ plight into consideration and executes some rules in order to tackle the number of such accounts.
That said, we’ll keep tabs on the latest developments and update this article accordingly.
Update 1 (March 21, 2023)
12:54 pm (IST): It seems that the issue with bots on Instagram still persists as fresh reports (1, 2, 3, 4) have surfaced concerning the same.
Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Instagram section so be sure to follow them as well.
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