In a world where news consumption is a pivotal aspect of social media, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has set a distinct tone for Threads, revealing that it won’t actively amplify news on its platform. This cautious approach, which comes amidst Instagram’s ongoing efforts to navigate content-related challenges, highlights Threads’ viability as a news-driven alternative to platforms like Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter).
‘Too Risky to Amplify News’
Instagram and its parent company, Meta, have had their fair share of issues with false news, sensationalism, and political bias. Given this backdrop, Threads’ reluctance to actively embrace news content might make it challenging to position itself as a direct competitor to platforms like X. While Threads will still allow news content to be shared and followed, its intention is not to boost the prominence of news articles.
Mosseri emphasized that Instagram was not against the presence of news but underscored their commitment to managing expectations and avoiding overpromising, a lesson learned from their experiences with Facebook. The Instagram CEO stated, “We’re not going to amplify news on the platform. To do so would be too risky given the maturity of the platform, the downsides of overpromising, and the stakes.”
A Focus on Positivity
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, has also weighed in on Threads’ news approach, suggesting that the absence of news could be a positive aspect. In contrast to platforms like X, known for sparking passionate discussions that can sometimes take a negative and toxic turn, Threads aims to create a more welcoming and uplifting space for conversations. This approach aligns with Zuckerberg’s vision of a discussion experience that veers away from negativity and toxicity.
Threads’ journey, however, is not without its challenges. In a highly competitive social media landscape, it currently ranks as one of the least-used platforms in the United States. Nevertheless, with its unique stance on news amplification and a focus on fostering positive discussions, Threads aims to carve out a niche in the social media sphere, catering to those seeking a different and more constructive online experience.
Also read: Meta’s Threads App Teases Potential Trending Topics Feature
