Instagram rolls out option to reset recommendations

Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to reset their content recommendations on the platform when in need of a "fresh start."

The feature, available for all users including teens, will clear users' recommended content across the platform's Explore, Reels and Feed pages, Instagram announced Tuesday.

Users will also be given the option to review the accounts they follow to determine if they want to unfollow those who share undesired content, the social media platform added.

Once the reset is complete, users' new recommendations will repersonalize over time.

“There’s a ton to see on Instagram and we want to surface the stuff that you’re going to be most interested in... But sometimes we make mistakes, and I want to acknowledge that," Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, said in a video Tuesday.

Mosseri warned users who do the reset should anticipate temporary changes to their experiences on the platform.

"I want to be clear: This is a big thing to do. It’s going to make your Instagram much less interesting at first, because we’re going to treat you as if we know nothing about you and your interests and it will take some time to learn those again," he said.

"So, it’s not something I recommend doing all the time — but if you do end up in a place where you really don’t feel good about your experience, this gives you an out.”

The feature is expected to be rolled out globally soon, Instagram said.

It aims to build upon options already offered by Instagram, including a button that lets users click if they are "interested" or "not interested." The platform already offers a hidden words feature that allows users to hide content containing specific words or phrases in the caption.

Teen users are also able to switch to a "following feed" in which they see content from accounts they follow in chronological order, while the platform's "Close Friends" story features give users the authority over who sees their stories.

The announcement comes nearly two months after Instagram announced a set of sweeping changes to teenagers' accounts intended to boost safety and give parents more control over content settings.

“Instagram Teen Accounts" are now private by default for all users younger than 18, and users with these accounts must manually accept new followers and can only be messaged, tagged or mentioned by people they follow.

Instagram also announced Tuesday there is a new page to its Transparency Center, aimed at helping teens and parents understand the social media platform's approach to ensuring age-appropriate content.

Instagram and other social media sites have faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and parents over social media's impact on youth safety and mental health.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is facing dozens of lawsuits alleging the platforms were created to maximize young users’ time using features that may lead to mental health issues.