If you’ve been following global issues on Instagram for a while, you might have noticed something recently – there has been a drop in the amount of content about Palestine showing up on your feed. Whether it’s news updates, stories from people on the ground, or activism posts, many users have been voicing concerns that they’re seeing less of this type of content. 

So what exactly is going on? It all comes down to Instagram’s algorithm and how it decides what to show you. But don’t worry; there are still ways to stay informed and keep important issues like Palestine front and centre. Let’s break it down.

How Instagram’s algorithm works

Instagram’s algorithm is a fancy word for the system that determines what shows up on your feed. It’s built to give you more of what it thinks you’ll engage with – things you’re more likely to like, comment on, or share. On the surface, that sounds great, right? Who wouldn’t want more content they enjoy? But when it comes to heavier, more serious topics like the conflict in Palestine, the algorithm doesn’t always work in their favour.

The engagement factor

Instagram loves content that goes viral – posts that get many likes and comments quickly get boosted, meaning they will show up in more people’s feeds. However, engagement isn’t always as high when it comes to posts about conflicts or global issues. 

Why? Some users may avoid engaging with politically charged content, either because they don’t know how to respond or they just want to scroll through lighter, less intense posts. The result? The algorithm thinks that since people are not engaging with such content as much, it will show less of it.

Content moderation and censorship

You’ve probably heard of people complaining about shadow banning, which is when your posts don’t get banned outright but are quietly hidden from a wider audience. Many activists and creators sharing content about Palestine have reported experiencing this. 

Instagram has a history of flagging posts on sensitive topics, even when they’re factual or news-based. Its automated systems sometimes mistake posts for violating community guidelines when they include words like ‘violence’ or ‘conflict,’ even if they’re just reporting on what’s happening.

Outside pressure

Instagram, as part of Meta, doesn’t exist in a bubble. It’s influenced by outside groups, governments, and policies. In politically sensitive issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, pressure can come from different sides – some want content to be moderated to avoid fuelling hate, while others push for more visibility of certain narratives. 

These external factors can impact what you see in your feed, sometimes leading to the decline of certain types of content without users even realising it.

The real-world impact 

The reduction of Palestine-related content is more than just a social media issue; it has real consequences. Instagram and other platforms have become vital tools for activists and ordinary citizens in Palestine to share their stories and raise awareness. When that content is suppressed, either intentionally or through algorithmic oversight, those voices become less heard and global awareness dims.

What’s particularly concerning is that when social media doesn’t give enough attention to conflicts like Palestine, it can shift public focus away from ongoing humanitarian crises. People tend to assume that if they’re not seeing content about it, perhaps things have quieted down or improved, when that’s far from the case.

How you can stay informed despite the algorithm

What can you do to make sure you’re still getting the news and updates you care about? It’s all about being proactive and knowing how to work around the system. Here are some tips to help you stay informed, even when the algorithm isn’t playing along.

• Diversify where you get your news: Instead of relying just on Instagram for updates, make sure you’re following a variety of sources. Check out independent news outlets, podcasts, and websites that cover Palestine regularly. Independent journalists and news platforms often give more in-depth and unbiased coverage compared to what social media filters allow.
• Engage with the content you want to see: If you notice that you’re seeing fewer posts about Palestine, start engaging more with the ones you do see. Liking, commenting, and sharing tells Instagram’s algorithm that you care about this topic, making it more likely to appear in your feed. Follow accounts that post regularly about Palestine and make a habit of interacting with their posts.
• Search for hashtags and use the explore page: Hashtags are a great way to discover content that might not show up on your main feed. Try searching hashtags like #FreePalestine, #PalestinianLivesMatter, or #StandWithPalestine to find posts and accounts focused on the issue. You can also manually explore pages and topics to find the latest updates, bypassing the algorithm’s control over your feed.
• Turn on notifications for key accounts: If there are specific accounts you trust for Palestine updates, turn on post notifications. That way, even if Instagram’s algorithm hides their posts, you’ll still get alerted whenever they post something new. This gives you direct access to their content without relying on the algorithm to decide when or if you should see it.
• Follow other platforms: Instagram isn’t the only place where people are talking about global issues. Many activists are turning to other platforms like Twitter, Telegram, or even decentralised social networks that aren’t influenced by the same algorithms. By broadening your social media presence, you can stay informed on multiple fronts and avoid the limitations of any single platform.

Staying active in a digitally restricted world

While the decline of Palestine-related content on Instagram is frustrating, it’s important to remember that there are still plenty of ways to stay informed and continue supporting global causes. The key is to be intentional about where you get your information from and how you engage with it. By diversifying your sources and using the tips above, you can ensure that you don’t miss out on the important conversations happening around the world.

Even though social media algorithms might limit what we see, staying proactive can help us keep the stories that matter most in the forefront. Keep following, engaging, and supporting those who use their platforms to bring crucial issues like Palestine to the forefront – it’s how we can all stay connected to the bigger picture.