Tech
Instagram to change stories algorithm after suppressing “pro-Palestinian” messages
Instagram is changing the way it showcases political content by altering its algorithm.
This comes after the social media platform was called out for suppressing “pro-Palestinian” messages, during the recent Gaza conflict.
Employees raised concerns over the reach of pro-Palestinian content during the conflict in Gaza.
The app had favoured original content in its “stories” feature over existing and re-shared posts but will now give them equal treatment.
The proposed algorithm change will now essentially mean Instagram will rank original and re-shared posts on the same level.
The change will affect original and reposted content in Instagram’s Stories section.
During the conflict, social media platforms were heavily used to spread messages of support on both sides.
American supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza that sparked an uproar from Israeli celebrities and influencers on instagram.
“The way my heart feels.. To be around this many beautiful, smart, respectful, loving , kind and generous Palestinians all in one place… it feels whole ! We are a rare breed!!” Hadid wrote on Instagram.
“It’s free Palestine til Palestine is free!!!”
An Instagram spokesperson told the Financial Times that more users had been sharing posts about the recent conflict in Gaza.
Many pro-Palestinian messages were among those widely re-shared.
“Stories that re-share feed posts aren’t getting the reach people expect them to, and that’s not a good experience,” the Instagram spokesperson told the FT.
“Over time, we’ll move to give equal weighting to re-shared posts as we do originally-produced stories.”