Instagram Tests 'Dislike' Button for Comments: Could It Spark More Bullying and Negativity?

Meta’s Instagram is stirring the pot again, this time with a new feature that’s turning heads—and not necessarily in a good way. The social media platform, which already has a reputation for its ever-changing features, is now testing a “dislike” button for comments. While this may sound like just another tweak in the platform’s quest for user engagement, it has sparked a heated debate on whether this addition could spiral into a tool for negativity, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges.

What Is Instagram’s New Dislike Button?

The new feature, which is currently being tested by a small group of users, allows Instagrammers to downvote or "dislike" comments on posts. Positioned next to the traditional like heart, the downward arrow mimics a similar feature found on Reddit—the downvote button—which allows users to express disapproval or disagreement with a post. However, unlike Reddit, where the downvoted content becomes less visible to users, Instagram’s approach seems a bit murkier in terms of how the "dislike" button will affect comment visibility.

While Meta hasn’t confirmed an official release date or more details about the feature’s full rollout, Instagram users are already vocal about their concerns.

Reactions to the Dislike Button: A Mixed Bag

It didn’t take long for users to share their thoughts once the feature started appearing on their feeds. Across various social media platforms, Instagrammers were quick to criticize the new addition, with many pointing out the potential for increased online bullying.

One user’s frustration was palpable as they posted, “You can now downvote/dislike comments on Instagram, whaaatwhy?” They weren’t alone. Another user chimed in, “Another feature they are giving that nobody asked for,” encapsulating the sentiment of many who felt this move was unnecessary.

Some critics were even more blunt about their disdain for the feature. “Creating yet another way (to) spread negativity (for) more engagement is lame as hell,” one Instagrammer commented, voicing concerns that the feature would only fuel the toxic cycle of online arguments and hate. Another lamented, "It's like they want to continue to see us argue and hate each other."

The most concerning part of the backlash is the mental health angle. Several users voiced fears that the "dislike" button could exacerbate feelings of insecurity or inadequacy, especially among young people. “I dislike that feature… it gonna make people sad or insecure about their post & stuff,” said one user, emphasizing that many might feel the sting of negativity more acutely.

In fact, one user even warned that the feature could escalate cyberbullying, stating, “It will take Cyber Bullying to another level.” Others agreed, with one pointing out, “Oh lawd. So in addition to getting ppl addicted to likes, let's further deteriorate their mental health by adding dislikes.”

While many Instagram users are understandably worried about the mental health implications, others seemed to find humor in the situation. “I can finally be a full-time hater,” joked one user, suggesting that the feature could lead to a surge of trolling.

Meta’s Response: Is the "Dislike" Button Really for Users' Benefit?

Meta, for its part, has attempted to defend the feature, arguing that it’s designed to give users more control over their Instagram experience. A spokesperson clarified that the dislike button was meant to allow users to privately signal that they didn't find a particular comment helpful or relevant.

According to the spokesperson, the goal is to provide content creators with the ability to manage and mitigate toxic or harmful comments more effectively. "By disliking a comment, creators can potentially reduce its visibility, ensuring a more positive interaction environment for their audience," the spokesperson told the New York Post.

In other words, the intention behind the dislike button isn't to publicly shame users but rather to create a space where content creators can better filter out unwanted negativity. This could be a useful tool in helping to maintain the tone and atmosphere of a post, especially for those with large followings who are often subject to harsh comments.

The Bigger Picture: Should Instagram Prioritize Mental Health?

The debate surrounding the new dislike button isn’t just about the feature itself—it’s about what it represents in the broader conversation on social media’s impact on mental health. While Meta insists that this tool is meant to enhance user control, critics are concerned that it might add fuel to the already raging fire of online negativity.

Instagram has long been criticized for contributing to issues like body image insecurity, social comparison, and even cyberbullying. Features that reward engagement through likes and comments have often been linked to increased stress and anxiety, especially among younger users who are more vulnerable to the pressures of online validation.

If this new button allows users to “dislike” comments, it might make users feel even more judged, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. The rise in mental health issues associated with social media, particularly Instagram, has been well-documented in recent years, and critics fear that this feature could contribute to that ongoing struggle.

The Future of Instagram’s Dislike Button: Will It Stay?

As of now, it remains unclear whether Instagram will roll out the dislike button to all users. Meta has emphasized that the feature is still in testing, with the goal of fine-tuning it before a wider launch. Whether it’ll be fully embraced by the Instagram community or deemed too harmful to continue remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: this feature, if it goes live, will likely continue to stoke debates on the balance between user engagement and mental health. As more platforms experiment with ways to curate content and interactions, the need for responsible design that prioritizes user well-being has never been more urgent.

 A Step Forward or Backward for Instagram?

In the world of social media, where users constantly seek new ways to engage and interact, Instagram’s dislike button seems like a bold move—but whether it’s a good one remains up for debate. While it’s clear that Instagram is trying to give users more control over their experience, the potential for harm is high. As online communities continue to evolve, so too should the tools that manage them—carefully and thoughtfully. Only time will tell if this new feature will enhance or harm the social media platform's dynamic.