Instagram Plus Subscription Sparks Backlash Over Privacy and Mental Health Concerns
A new $3.99 monthly subscription for Instagram, called Instagram Plus, is drawing criticism for features that allow users to track story rewatches and view insights into who has seen their content.
Instagram has introduced a new premium subscription service, Instagram Plus, priced at $3.99 per month, which offers users exclusive features and increased control over their app experience. However, the rollout has been met with significant backlash from users and critics who argue the new functionalities exploit digital addiction and negatively impact mental health.
The subscription aims to provide features such as extended story visibility, prioritized placement in feeds, and "expressive reactions" for direct messages. A key feature is the Story Rewatch Count, which indicates how many times a user's story has been replayed. The Search Viewer Sheet allows users to quickly see if a specific individual has viewed their post, and Story Preview enables viewing content without appearing on the viewer list.
Critics contend that these features encourage obsessive behavior and can lead to self-inflicted distress. One Reddit user described the subscription as a "new low" that allows users to "torture themselves" by providing enhanced tools for tracking the activity of others. A TikTok creator who conducted a "social experiment" with Instagram Plus concluded it made her "ready to never use Instagram again," specifically criticizing the Story Rewatch insight for potentially misrepresenting user engagement.
The feature also includes timestamps for initial story views and updates if a story is rewatched, leading to concerns that users might overanalyze the motivations behind rewatches. Commenters have expressed a desire to avoid users who subscribe to Instagram Plus, fearing their viewing habits might be excessively tracked. There is also speculation that Meta, Instagram's parent company, may extend subscription models to its other platforms.
Instagram's stated goal for the subscription is to "help you express yourself, connect deeper with friends, and customize your experience in new ways," positioning it as an "optional upgrade for people who want more control."