Instagram Launching a New Option for Reporting Misinformation

Now Instagram is testing a new option that will enable users to report false information sharing on the platform. This is the latest attempt by Facebook to prevent the spread of fake and inaccurate content on its sites.

The screenshot, which you can see below - shared by social media expert Matt Navarra - Instagram is testing a new option, which enables users to report false information shared on the platform.

When you tap on the three dots at the top right of a post, and you need to select 'Report'. This will contains two options to choose from - 'It's Spam' or 'It's Inappropriate'. If you select 'It's Inappropriate', you will be taken to the separate reporting flow. Here 'False Information' will be added as an option. Now, this option is only for those in the test pool.

As explained by Instagram:

This option of reporting false information will expand Instagram options for detection and as noted, build on parent-company Facebook's broader capacity to limit the spread of false information through its platforms.

Instagram is also investigating increased instances of disingenuous users viewing people's Stories as a growth-hacking tactic. Now Instagram is aware of using the tactic, which involves accounts paying third parties to boost their profile by viewing people's Instagram Stories. It hopes that those users will check out these viewers and subsequently follow these accounts. This will artificially increase their audience numbers.

It is a variant of the age-old 'follow-for-follow' social media tactic. Now this tactic has lessened in recent times. This tactic had been used by many on Twitter to massively inflate their presence. If you're using this as a 'tactic' to try and boost your Instagram presence, you may come under scrutiny at some stage.

Reporting Misinformation will help to clean up the Instagram platform. Now False and misleading news is obviously a more significant concern in general terms. The rising use of influencer marketing on Instagram also means that the Instagram platform needs to ensure its metrics and stats are accurate, in order to stop fakers taking money from brands.