Instagram’s head says engagement falls by half without the algorithm

Live updates

1. 45d ago

   Instagram head claims algorithm removal cuts engagement by half

   The head of Instagram asserts that removing algorithmic feeds reduces user engagement by 50 percent and increases the volume of brand content. These statements coincide with Australian government efforts to let users opt out of algorithmic curation. The White House has expressed criticism of the Australian reforms, though Australia denies the policy will damage diplomatic relations with the United States. The dispute centers on whether algorithmic curation is necessary for user experience or a source of digital harm.

   Why it matters

   Global regulators are increasingly targeting social media algorithms to mitigate digital harm. Platforms argue that these systems are essential to prevent users from being overwhelmed by content.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The head of Instagram claims removing algorithmic feeds reduces engagement by half.
   • The head of Instagram claims removing algorithms leaves users overwhelmed by brand content.
   • The White House criticized Australian reforms allowing users to opt out of algorithms.
   • The Australian government maintains its social media reforms do not threaten ties with the United States.

   What to watch next

   • Official implementation dates for the Australian algorithm opt-out laws.
   • Formal responses from the White House regarding Australian digital regulations.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Mark Zuckerberg
   2. www.wired.com — A College Girl Was Exploited on Camera. A Network of Anonymous Men Got to Work
   3. www.yahoo.com — How Should ADÉLA Build Off Her Debut Album’s Impressive Chart Debut?
   confidence 50%
2. 48d ago

   Instagram head claims engagement drops 50% without algorithms

   Instagram's head warns that removing algorithmic feeds reduces engagement by half and leaves users overwhelmed by brand content. These claims emerge as Australia moves to allow social media users to opt out of algorithms. While the White House has criticized these Australian reforms, the Australian government maintains that the moves do not threaten ties with the United States. This tension highlights a global conflict between regulatory efforts to reduce digital harm and platform arguments that algorithmic curation is essential for user experience.

   Why it matters

   Regulators in the Netherlands previously forced Meta to provide non-algorithmic feed options. Current disputes center on whether algorithms are harmful machinery or necessary tools to prevent content overload.

   What is confirmed

   • Instagram's head states engagement falls by half without the algorithm.
   • The head of Instagram warns users will be overwhelmed by brand content in an algorithm-free world.
   • Australian social media users will be offered the choice to opt out of algorithms.
   • The White House has criticized social media reforms in Australia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Netherlands forced Meta to allow users to ditch algorithmic feeds.
   • Chronological feeds are much worse than algorithmic ones.
   • Critics are protecting Orwellian machinery rather than laws that reduce harm.

   What to watch next

   • Data on user adoption rates of the opt-out feature in Australia
   • Official response from Meta regarding the Netherlands' regulatory actions
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. NPR — Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
   2. The Guardian — The Orwellian machinery critics are desperate to protect is the algorithms, not laws that seek to reduce harm | Ed Coper
   3. Reuters — Australia sees no threat to US ties after White House criticism of social media reforms
   4. The Guardian — Instagram boss says users will be ‘overwhelmed’ with brand content in algorithm-free world
   5. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Instagram boss warns users will be 'overwhelmed' without algorithm
   6. The Conversation — The Netherlands forced Meta to let users ditch algorithmic feeds. Here’s what happened
   7. 9to5Google — Instagram chief thinks a chronological feed is ‘much worse’ and says the quiet part out loud
   8. The Next Web — Instagram’s head says engagement falls by half without the algorithm
   confidence 90%