Some Instagram users have reported seeing a ‘dislike’ button while scrolling through their feeds, sparking speculation about a potential new feature.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has confirmed that the company is indeed testing the button, which is designed to give users a private way to express disapproval of certain comments.
"The button will give people a private way to signal that they don’t feel good about a particular comment and will help make comments more friendly," Mosseri explained.
He added that Instagram may eventually use the feature to adjust comment rankings, pushing disliked comments lower in the thread.
"Our hope is that this might help make comments more friendly on Instagram," he said.
The dislike button will be available on both feed posts and Reels but will not publicly display a count. Only Instagram’s algorithm will register the number of dislikes, influencing how comments are ranked.
Despite Instagram’s intentions, many users are already voicing concerns. Some believe the feature could be misused to spread negativity and encourage online hostility.
"Creating yet another way to spread negativity for more engagement is lame as hell," one user wrote. Another added,
"It's like they want to continue to see us argue and hate each other."
Others worry that the feature could lead to an increase in cyberbullying, particularly among younger users. Many fear it may contribute to mental health struggles, echoing past criticisms of social media's impact on self-esteem and well-being.
As Instagram continues testing the feature, the company will likely monitor user feedback to determine whether the dislike button becomes a permanent addition to the platform.