Social networking platforms like Instagram have become integral to our digital lives, connecting us with friends and strangers who share our interests. A key feature of Instagram is the ability to follow users, allowing their posts to appear in your feed.
However, some users encounter a puzzling issue: Instagram displays accounts they never intended to follow. This situation raises concerns about privacy, security, and how Instagram’s algorithms function.
This article examines why Instagram may indicate you are following accounts unintentionally and offers solutions to resolve this issue. Let’s dive in!
Why Does My Instagram Show I Am Following People That I Never Did?
If you’ve opened your Instagram account to discover that you’re following users you never intended to, you’re not alone. This widespread issue can occur for several reasons.
Read More: Why Does Someone Always Show First on List When i Want to Share Post on Instagram?
Inactive Accounts and Ghost Followers
One common cause of Instagram’s mysterious “following” count is inactive accounts and ghost followers. Ghost followers refer to accounts that were once active but are no longer used by their owners.
These accounts may still show as following you, but they aren’t engaged with the platform anymore. Instagram takes time to identify and remove these inactive accounts from your follower list, leading to discrepancies between your actual followers and the number displayed on your profile.
To tackle this issue, Instagram regularly performs clean-up operations to eliminate inactive accounts and bots. However, it may take a while for these accounts to be removed entirely from your followers list. In the meantime, rest assured that Instagram is actively working to maintain a healthy user base.
Glitches and Technical Issues
Like any complex software, Instagram can experience glitches and technical issues, which may lead to inaccuracies in your followers list. For example, you might follow someone, but a system bug may prevent it from registering correctly, making it seem like you haven’t followed them.
If you suspect a technical issue is at play, try these steps:
Log out and log back in. Logging out of your account and then back in can often resolve minor glitches.
Update the app: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Instagram app. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and enhance performance.
Clear cache and data: On mobile devices, go to your settings to clear the Instagram app’s cache and data, which can help resolve issues related to cached information.
If the problem continues after these steps, consider reaching out to Instagram’s support team for further assistance.
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 unknowingly granted access to these apps, enabling them to follow or unfollow accounts on your behalf.
These apps often request access for various purposes, such as analytics, growth hacking, or automation. If you’ve used such third-party services before, they might still have access to your account, leading to those mysterious follows.
To resolve this issue, revoke access to third-party apps by following these steps:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap on “Security.”
- Under “Data and History,” select “Apps and Websites.”
- You’ll see a list of apps that have access to your account. Revoke access to any apps you no longer use or trust. By doing so, you regain control over who follows and interacts with your Instagram account.
Hacked or Compromised Accounts
A sudden increase in followers may indicate that your Instagram account has been hacked or compromised. Hackers can access your account and follow other accounts without your knowledge or consent.
This not only invades your privacy but can also lead to unwanted interactions and spam. If you suspect your account has been compromised, take these steps to secure it:
Change your password: Immediately set a robust and unique password that you haven’t used elsewhere.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
Review account activity: Check for any suspicious posts or actions.
Disconnect suspicious third-party apps: As mentioned earlier, remove any apps you don’t recognize or trust.
Please report the issue: Contact Instagram’s support team and follow their instructions to regain control of your account.
Preventing unauthorized access is essential. Be cautious when clicking links or providing your login credentials to unknown websites or apps, and regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized activity.
Algorithmic Changes and Recommendations
Instagram employs sophisticated algorithms to curate the content in your feed and recommend accounts for you to follow. These algorithms analyze your interactions, likes, and overall activity on the platform.
At times, Instagram may suggest accounts based on this algorithmic analysis, even if you haven’t actively followed them. The Explore page also displays content and accounts that the algorithm identifies as aligned with your interests.
Consequently, you might see posts from accounts you haven’t followed, creating the illusion that you’re following more users than you actually are. While this isn’t the primary cause of the issue, it adds to the perception of following accounts you never intended to.
These recommendation algorithms aim to keep users engaged on the platform, occasionally suggesting accounts that resonate with your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Instagram show accounts I never followed?
Instagram’s algorithms might suggest accounts based on your interests, interactions, or previous activity, leading to the impression that you’re following users you didn’t explicitly choose.
Can ghost followers cause discrepancies in my following list?
Yes, ghost followers—inactive accounts that may still appear in your follower list—can create discrepancies, making it seem like you’re following more accounts than you actually are.
Could third-party apps be following accounts on my behalf?
Absolutely. If you’ve granted access to third-party apps, they may have the ability to follow or unfollow accounts without your consent.
What should I do if I suspect my account has been hacked?
If you notice unexpected activity, change your password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, review your account activity, and disconnect any suspicious apps. Report the issue to Instagram support.
How can I remove unwanted followers?
You can remove followers by going to your profile, tapping on your followers list, and selecting the user you wish to remove. Tap “Remove” next to their name.
Does Instagram regularly clean up inactive accounts?
Yes, Instagram conducts periodic clean-up operations to remove inactive accounts and bots, which may take time to reflect in your follower count.
How can I prevent unauthorized access to my account?
Use a robust and unique password, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on unknown links or providing credentials to untrusted apps or websites.
What steps can I take if I continue to see accounts I didn’t follow?
If the issue persists, consider revoking access to third-party apps, clearing your app cache, or contacting Instagram support for assistance.
Conclusion
discovering that you are following accounts on Instagram that you never intended to can be perplexing and concerning. Several factors contribute to this issue, including Instagram’s recommendation algorithms, inactive ghost followers, third-party app access, and potential account compromises.
To maintain control over your account, it’s essential to regularly review your following list, revoke access to any untrusted apps, and enhance your security settings. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure a more accurate representation of your followers and safeguard your privacy on the platform. If issues persist, reaching out to Instagram support can provide additional guidance and assistance.
