Instagram Experiments with a Dislike Button for Comments
In February 2025, Instagram launched a test for a new feature: a “Dislike” button on comments. This initiative aims to improve the quality of online discussions and provide users with a discreet way to express disapproval. The addition of this button could influence user engagement and the dynamics of interactions on the platform.
How does this dislike button work? What impact could it have on comment moderation? How does it compare to similar features on other social networks? This article explores in detail the issues surrounding this new feature.
A Dislike Button to Improve Moderation
How the “Dislike” Button Works
Instagram places this new button under each comment in the form of a downward arrow. Unlike the Instagram Like button, the “Dislikes” are not publicly visible. The comment author does not receive a notification, and only Instagram’s algorithms take them into account to adjust comment visibility.
The goal of this feature is to allow users to flag inappropriate comments without resorting to an official report. Instagram aims to improve discussion relevance and limit harmful or off-topic comments.
A Positive Impact on User Experience?
By integrating this button, Instagram hopes to encourage more constructive discussions and reduce the visibility of toxic comments. By decreasing the exposure of inappropriate messages, the platform seeks to foster a healthier and more inclusive environment for its community.
However, this feature could also raise concerns. Some users may fear that the button will be misused to reduce the visibility of comments expressing differing opinions. Instagram will need to monitor the impact of this new feature carefully to prevent any negative effects on free speech.
What Impact on Engagement and Interactions?
A New Form of User Feedback
The “Dislike” button could change how users interact with comments. Until now, Instagram only offered positive reactions, primarily encouraging favorable interactions. The addition of a negative feedback option could promote greater authenticity in discussions.
By giving users a way to express disagreement without responding directly, Instagram aims to reduce conflicts and aggressive debates. This could improve the quality of conversations while also influencing user behavior toward comments.
Risks to Overall Engagement
The integration of this feature could also have unexpected effects on user engagement. If certain comments receive too many “Dislikes,” their visibility may decrease, which could discourage some users from participating in discussions.
On the other hand, a well-calibrated negative feedback system could encourage more relevant and constructive interactions. The challenge for Instagram will be to find a balance between moderating harmful comments and maintaining a diversity of opinions.
Comparison with Other Platforms
YouTube: A Controversial Dislike Button
YouTube has long used a “Dislike” button for videos. In 2021, the platform decided to hide the public dislike count to limit harassment and mass “dislike” campaigns. Creators still have access to detailed statistics, but the public can no longer see the total number of “Dislikes.”
This decision sparked debate. Some believed it protected creators from cyberbullying, while others lamented the loss of a quality indicator for content. Instagram appears to be following this approach by keeping “Dislikes” invisible to the public but visible to its algorithm.
Reddit: A System of Upvotes and Downvotes
Reddit operates with a voting system where users can upvote or downvote posts and comments. Unlike Instagram, these votes are public and directly influence content visibility.
This model allows communities to self-regulate discussions and highlight the most relevant contributions. However, it can also lead to groupthink, where certain opinions are massively downvoted regardless of their argumentative value.
TikTok: A Similar “Dislike” Button
TikTok introduced a “Dislike” button for comments in 2022. Like Instagram, this button does not publicly display the number of dislikes and aims to enhance moderation by flagging inappropriate comments.
The implementation of this feature on TikTok has shown that it can be effective in filtering harmful content. However, its impact on opinion diversity remains a point of concern.
Facebook: A Different Approach
Facebook has never integrated a “Dislike” button into its reactions. In 2016, the platform tested a “downvote” feature for certain comments, but it was never widely deployed.
Facebook prioritizes a reporting system and moderation tools to manage negative interactions. This approach places more responsibility on page and group administrators to regulate discussions.
Conclusion: A Cautious Evolution Toward Better Moderation
The introduction of the “Dislike” button on Instagram marks a significant shift in managing interactions on the platform. By providing users with a discreet way to express disapproval, Instagram hopes to enhance discussion quality while reducing toxicity.
However, this change raises questions. Striking a balance between moderation and free speech will be crucial to prevent misuse. If managed well, this feature could foster a healthier environment on Instagram and encourage more authentic interactions. Time will tell whether this button becomes an effective tool for regulating discussions or introduces new challenges for the platform and its users.
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