Social networking platforms, such as Instagram are essentially a common part of our lives in the digital age. They not only connect us with people we are close with, but also with strangers who have the same interests as us. One of the fundamental features of Instagram is the ability to follow other users to see their posts in your feed.
However, many users have reported a perplexing issue: Instagram sometimes shows that they are following people they never intended to follow. This phenomenon raises questions about privacy, security, and the inner workings of Instagram’s algorithms.
In this article, we will explore why Instagram might display that you are following people you never did and what you can do to address this issue. Let’s get started!
Why Does My Instagram Show I Am Following People That I Never Did?
If you’ve ever opened your Instagram account to find that you’re following people you never did, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can happen for a variety of reasons.
1. Inactive Accounts and Ghost Followers
One common reason behind Instagram’s mysterious “following” count is inactive accounts and ghost followers. Ghost followers are accounts that used to be active but have since been not in use by their creators.
These accounts may appear to be following you, but they are no longer engaged with the platform. Instagram often takes some time to detect and remove these inactive accounts from your followers’ list. This results in you seeing a discrepancy between your actual followers and the number displayed on your profile.
To address this issue, Instagram regularly conducts clean-up operations to remove inactive accounts and bots. However, it might take some time before these accounts are entirely purged from your followers’ list. In the meantime, there’s not much you can do, but rest assured that Instagram is working to maintain the integrity of its user base.
2. Glitches and Technical Issues
Like any complex software, Instagram is susceptible to glitches and technical issues. Sometimes, these glitches can lead to inaccuracies in your followers’ list. For instance, you might follow someone, but due to a bug in the system, it doesn’t register correctly, making it appear as though you haven’t followed them.
If you suspect that a technical issue is causing the problem, you can try the following steps:
Log out and log back in: Sometimes, simply logging out of your Instagram account and then logging back in can resolve minor glitches.
Update the app: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Instagram app. Developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
Clear cache and data: On mobile devices, you can clear the cache and data of the Instagram app in your device’s settings. This can help resolve issues related to cached data.
If the issue persists despite trying these steps, you may want to reach out to Instagram’s support team for assistance.
3. Third-Party Apps and Services
Instagram’s API (Application Programming Interface) allows third-party apps and services to interact with the platform. Some users may have inadvertently given access to these apps, which can follow or unfollow accounts on your behalf.
These apps often request access to your Instagram account for various reasons, such as analytics, growth hacking, or automation. If you’ve used such third-party apps or services in the past, they might still have access to your account and be responsible for the mysterious follows.
To address this issue, you can revoke access to third-party apps by following these steps:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app.
Step 2: Go to your profile.
Step 3: Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
Step 4: Select “Settings.”
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on “Security.”
Step 6: Under the “Data and History” section, select “Apps and Websites.”
Here, you’ll see a list of apps with access to your Instagram account. Revoke access to any apps you no longer use or trust. By revoking access to third-party apps, you can regain control over who follows and interacts with your Instagram account.
4. Hacked or Compromised Accounts
In some cases, a mysterious surge in followers could indicate that someone has hacked your Instagram account or it has been compromised. Hackers may be able to access your account and follow other accounts without your knowledge or consent.
This is not only an invasion of your privacy but can also lead to unwanted interactions and spam. If you suspect that your account has been compromised, take the following steps to secure it:
- Change your password immediately to a strong, unique one that you haven’t used elsewhere.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add even more security.
- Review the activity on your account for any fishy posts or actions.
- Disconnect any suspicious third-party apps and services, as mentioned earlier.
- Report the issue to Instagram’s support team and follow instructions as provided by them to regain control of your account.
Preventing your account from being hacked in the first place is crucial. Be cautious when clicking on links or providing your login credentials to unknown websites or apps, and regularly review your account activity for any unauthorized actions.
5. Algorithmic Changes and Recommendations
Instagram uses complex algorithms to determine the content you see in your feed and the accounts it recommends for you to follow. These algorithms take into account your interactions, likes, and activity on the platform.
Sometimes, Instagram may suggest accounts for you to follow based on its algorithmic analysis, even if you haven’t explicitly followed them. Additionally, Instagram’s Explore page showcases content and accounts that the algorithm believes align with your interests.
You may see posts from accounts you haven’t followed, giving the impression that you’re following more users than you intended. While this is not a direct cause of the issue, it contributes to the perception that you are following people you never did.
Instagram’s recommendation algorithms are designed to keep users engaged on the platform, and they may occasionally suggest accounts that align with your interests.
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