Earlier this week, Instagram Threads introduced direct messages (DMs), fulfilling what they claimed was the platform’s most-requested feature. However, the addition has sparked a backlash, mainly from women users, who are voicing concerns about the lack of an opt-out option due to harassment issues.
Unlike other social networks like X, Bluesky, and Mastodon, Threads was previously appreciated for not offering DMs. This change has not been well-received by everyone.
One user wrote on Threads, “I don’t want to receive DMs. How do I shut this thing off? I ask on behalf of all women.” Another commented, “Great. More ways for women to get harassed online,” and a third added, “Congrats on adding a feature only stalkers were interested in.”
The announcement by Instagram head Adam Mosseri sparked numerous responses. Many users stated they didn’t want DMs, mentioning a poll where a large majority expressed a preference against the feature. Despite the demand, there is currently no way to disable it.
Beyond harassment, users are worried about the potential for spam and unwanted messages cluttering their inboxes. As it stands, only users you follow can send you DMs. If someone becomes a nuisance, unfollowing them will stop their messages, and blocking them is a more drastic way to sever contact.
The most vocal critics are likely those who find the change disruptive, similar to how people often leave negative reviews online rather than positive ones. Yet, their concerns are valid. New features introduced to an established platform culture can be unsettling, especially when they alter how people interact while leaving them without control, like an opt-out option.
Meta might have intended for DMs to give users more control over who can contact them privately. However, followers on a public platform like Threads often include people whose content users enjoy but with whom they may not want to engage directly.
