Instagram will now down-rank content that has been deemed inaccurate by fact-checkers. This was done in an effort to make sure accurate information is being presented on the platform due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The platform initially began to utilize fact checkers last year, however now more than ever it is important to have them on the platform.
On top of Instagram taking measures to down-rank content, that is inaccurate, the platform will also hide accounts that repeatedly rely on Coronavirus themes. These kinds of accounts will no longer be shown in the recommended section of the app. The platform also previously took steps to highlight information form the World Health Organization to better inform users on the platform.
Fact-Friendly Social Media Platforms
Instagram Will Down-Rank Content That Was Deemed Inaccurate
Trend Themes
1. Fact-checking Social Media Platforms - Opportunity to develop technology that can efficiently and accurately fact-check social media content to ensure that accurate information is being presented to users.
2. Content Down-ranking - Opportunity to create algorithms that can down-rank content that is inaccurate or harmful to prevent the spread of misinformation or harmful content.
3. Theme-specific Filtering - Opportunity to develop theme-specific filters that can detect and filter out accounts that repeatedly share inaccurate or harmful content related to specific themes.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media Platforms - Social media platforms can develop and implement efficient systems to fact-check content, down rank content, and implement theme-specific filtering to promote accurate and safe content on their platforms.
2. News and Media Industry - The news and media industry can utilize technology that can fact-check social media content to prevent the spread of misinformation and promote accurate news.
3. Artificial Intelligence Industry - The artificial intelligence industry can develop and implement machine learning algorithms that can efficiently and accurately detect harmful or inaccurate content on social media platforms.