Instagram recently rolled out a new “question” feature.
Similarly to the “polls” feature, users can post the “Ask Me Questions” as part of their stories.
Basically, users post the “ask me anything” sticker in their story, then followers can submit questions. The answers are then posted into the user’s Instagram story. The feedback does encourage more engagements throughout the platform, but followers’ questions are not anonymous to the person who posted the ‘Ask Me’ to their story.
The release of the new feature left Instagram users dissatisfied:
please stop asking for questions on instagram you are not interesting enough for 15 stories in a row
— joshua (@joshcharles_21) July 11, 2018
the last thing we need in this hellish world is an excuse for anybody on instagram to think i want to ask them a fuckin question
— Matt Bellassai (@MattBellassai) July 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/FSKPart3/status/1017267895498207232
Many felt that the new feature was a rip-off of Formspring, an anonymous question-and-answer platform that used to be a Mecca for online bullying.
https://twitter.com/heidigirouard/status/1017379303510732800
Instagram just said “hey let’s bring back formspring from MySpace 10 years ago. People aren’t asking each other enough questions anymore.”
— the spirit bear (@odeezer) July 12, 2018
This new “ask me a question” situation on @instagram is the 2018 #Formspring #RIP
— V. (@_MissVivianaa) July 12, 2018
For celebrities and influences, “Ask Me Anything” is a great way to interact with followers and fans. Some celebrities such as John Mayer, Jonathan Van Ness, and Kristen Bell have already tested out the feature on their feeds.
A downside of this feature is that it enables anyone on the platform to use (or potentially abuse) it. This allows anyone to act as if they are a social media influencer.
According to Instagram, “This sticker is an easy way to start conversations and get closer with your friends on Instagram — it’s great for those moments when you don’t necessarily have something to share but want to connect and get to know your friends even better.”
This added feature marks the platform’s 52nd update, but certainly not the best.
Featured image via Help Smartphone
