Camila Silveira, specialist in entrepreneurial development through social networks, says the new feature can bring a series of implications for companies and individuals
In recent days, a novelty in the digital world has caused a stir on social media: Instagram announced that it is testing a new feature, the ‘Not Like’ (or ‘Dislike’) button, specifically for comments on Feed and Reels posts. The platform, which is already a favorite of millions of entrepreneurs, influencers, and brands around the world, is seeking ways to improve interaction and ensure that its users experience a healthier and more organized environment.
Specializing in business development and digital entrepreneurship, Camila Silveira sees this change with a critical but optimistic eye. ‘After all, social media, especially Instagram, has become essential tools for brand growth and community building. However, this new feature can have a series of implications, both for the average user and for entrepreneurs who rely on the platform to expand their businesses,’ she analyzes.
According to Instagram, the ‘Not Like’ button was designed to help filter unwanted interactions. The feature allows users to ‘unlike’ or ‘mark negatively’ others’ comments, without that action being publicly visible to other users. ‘Instead of seeing a count of ‘dislikes’ as already happens on other platforms, Instagram prioritizes the invisibility of this action but uses these signals to adjust the algorithm, reducing the visibility of comments that have been ‘unliked’,’ Camila explains.
According to the specialist, this makes complete sense as we strive to create more positive communities on social media. ‘Entrepreneurs, in particular, benefit from this change, as it can help reduce the impact of negative interactions and focus on more relevant and constructive comments that actually contribute to building a solid business and an engaged community’.
Implications for Entrepreneurs and Content Creators
Now, the question many entrepreneurs must be asking themselves is: *how can this change impact my online presence?* Camila points out that if you use Instagram to promote your brand or services, it is essential to understand how the new features influence the reach and engagement of your posts.
‘Initially, this feature can be seen as a tool to improve the social network environment, promoting more positive interactions. However, for those who are constantly managing their social networks, the new ‘Dislike’ button also presents challenges,’ she emphasizes, detailing them:
1. **Redefining Feedback:** The ‘Dislike’ button can change how followers interact with your posts. For many creators and entrepreneurs, constructive feedback is one of the most valuable ways to evaluate and improve the content being produced. However, by allowing a ‘dislike’ to be done anonymously, there is a risk of users lacking a true understanding of why a piece of content did not receive a positive response.
2. **Impact on Comment Visibility:** Although Instagram does not display the count of “dislikes”, the algorithm will process these signals of displeasure. This means that, even without a visible counter, the negative perception of your followers about certain contents can affect its visibility and positioning on the feed. In other words, what used to be an irrelevant comment may become less relevant when “unliked”, directly impacting how the algorithm ranks the publication.
3. **Monitoring and Crisis Management:** For entrepreneurs, crisis management on social media is a determining factor for success. The “Dislike” button can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows users to express their dislike without creating an open discussion, but on the other hand, it can potentiate the dissemination of negative interactions more discreetly, requiring entrepreneurs to pay more attention to managing their content.
**How Can Entrepreneurs Leverage This New Feature to Their Advantage?**
With the changes, new opportunities emerge to optimize digital presence. Camila Silveira listed some ways entrepreneurs can benefit:
1. **Focus on Quality Content:** Instagram is constantly refining its algorithm to show what is relevant and positive. This means that the more engaging and constructive your content is, the higher the chances of reaching a qualified audience. Focusing on producing content that is genuine and brings real value to your followers can minimize negativity and increase engagement organically.
2. **Audience Reaction Monitoring:** With this new feature, it’s important for entrepreneurs to monitor how their followers are interacting with their comments. Brands can use this information to adapt their approach and improve community relationships, creating closer and more assertive communication.
3. **Enhancing Interaction Strategy:** This change also presents an opportunity to further humanize the relationship with the audience. It’s crucial for entrepreneurs to use their influence to guide discussions constructively. Creating a space where followers feel heard and respected, even in criticism, is an important competitive differentiator.
The expert points out that Instagram remains a vital platform for entrepreneurs and content creators, and the ‘Dislike’ button brings to light the need for a more careful and strategic interaction with the audience. According to her, although this functionality is still in testing, its implementation could be a turning point in how we communicate and interact on social media.
“As entrepreneurs, it is essential to embrace changes with a critical vision, adapting to new tools and making the most of emerging opportunities. Instagram is constantly evolving, and the way we handle digital interactions reflects not only the evolution of a platform but also the maturation of the digital market as a whole. By focusing on authenticity, content quality, and positive engagement, you can ensure that your brand not only survives but thrives in this new social media landscape,” concludes Camila.
