A petition is going viral that is calling for Instagram to allow users to be able to filter out weight-loss ads.
Anyone with an Instagram has likely come across a weight-loss ad. It’s pretty easy while mindlessly scrolling to be offered tips on how to shed a few kilos.
This can be particularly triggering for people recovering from eating disorders.
While Instagram has changed the app so users underage no longer viewing posts promoting weight loss. The app is still serving plenty of potentially vulnerable people these types of ads.
Hence why a petition has been started on change.org. The petition is asking the app to give users the option to opt out of diet culture.
The petition started by Katie Budenberg, reads: “It’s no secret that the aim of a weight-loss ad is to make you feel inadequate in your body so that you are persuaded to pay the company large amounts of money to help you lose weight.
“To some, these ads may be harmless and they can scroll on but for some these ads are triggering and dangerous.
“This is why we are asking that Instagram adds the option to not see weight-loss ads; this setting already exists for other potentially triggering topics, such as alcohol and parenting, and should be extended to weight-loss.
“This setting would make Instagram a safer, and therefore a more inclusive, place for those with a history of disordered eating and/or body image issues.”
The petition has racked up over 25,000 signatures and the comments on the petition are filled with women sharing why they don’t want to be targetted with weight loss advertisements.
Instagram has yet to respond but it’ll be interesting to see if the app follows in the footsteps of Pinterest that banned weight loss ads from it’s platform last year.
Only time will tell but there’s clearly public demand.
