Instagram's following tab has been discontinued due to a lack of use and relevancy.
Read this next: Fuck the algorithm: Can artists forge a career without the help of social media?
The "following" feature was launched in 2011 and allowed users to view their friends' likes and comments on others' posts. From this point on, users will only be able to see their own activity. The feature was known to allow some to stalk their friends and significant others activity, at times causing relationship conflicts. It also made some more self-conscious about their activity.
Read this next: Social media is dangerously affecting DJs' mental health
However, the feature was also rarely utilized by the average Instagram user. Instagram’s head of product Vishal Shah told BuzzFeed News that many users didn't even know the feature existed, "so you have a case where it’s not serving the use case you built it for, but it’s also causing people to be surprised when their activity is showing up."
Read this next: Fuck social media: To succeed in dance music, you just need great records
This update comes as social media applications are testing the discontinuation of features that are known to negatively impact users' mental health. Both Instagram and Facebook have been recently considering the removal of the number of post likes.
Read this next: Get the best of Mixmag direct to your Facebook DMs