Social networking platforms like Instagram have become integral to our digital lives, connecting us with both close friends and like-minded strangers. A key feature of Instagram is the ability to follow users and view their posts in your feed.
However, many users have reported a frustrating issue where Instagram shows they are following accounts they never intended to. This raises concerns about privacy, security, and how Instagram’s algorithms function.
In this article, we’ll explore why Instagram may display accounts you haven’t followed and how to resolve the issue. Let’s dive in!
Why Does My Instagram Show I Am Following People That I Never Did?
If you’ve ever logged into Instagram only to find you’re following people you never intended to, you’re not alone. This common 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
A common cause of Instagram’s “following” count confusion is inactive accounts and ghost followers. Ghost followers are accounts that were once active but are no longer in use by their creators.
These accounts may still appear to be following you, but they no longer engage with the platform. Instagram typically takes time to detect and remove these inactive accounts, leading to discrepancies between your actual followers and the number shown on your profile.
To address this, Instagram regularly conducts clean-ups to remove inactive accounts and bots. While it may take time for these accounts to be fully removed, you can rest assured that Instagram is working to keep its user base authentic.
Glitches and Technical Issues
Like any complex software, Instagram can experience glitches and technical issues that may cause inaccuracies in your followers’ list. For example, you might follow someone, but a system bug could prevent the action from registering properly, making it appear as though you haven’t followed them.
If you suspect a technical issue, try these steps:
- Log out and log back in: Logging out and back in can often resolve minor glitches.
- Update the app: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Instagram, as updates often fix bugs and enhance performance.
- Clear cache and data: On mobile devices, clearing the app’s cache and data in your device’s settings may help resolve issues linked to stored data.
If the problem persists, contact Instagram’s support team for further assistance.
Third-Party Apps and Services
Instagram’s API (Application Programming Interface) allows third-party apps to interact with the platform. Some users may unknowingly grant these apps access, enabling them to follow or unfollow accounts on your behalf.
These apps typically request access for purposes like analytics, growth hacking, or automation. If you’ve used such services before, they may still have access to your account and could be causing the unexplained follows.
To resolve this, 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 “Security.”
- Under “Data and History,” tap “Apps and Websites.”
Here, you’ll see a list of apps with access to your account. Revoke access to any apps you no longer use or trust to regain control over who follows and interacts with your account.
Hacked or Compromised Accounts
A sudden increase in followers may signal that your Instagram account has been hacked or compromised. Hackers can access your account and follow other accounts without your knowledge or consent, leading to privacy breaches and unwanted interactions.
If you suspect your account has been compromised, follow these steps to secure it:
- Change your password: Use a strong, unique password that hasn’t been used elsewhere.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to protect your account.
- Review account activity: Check for suspicious posts or actions on your account.
- Disconnect suspicious apps: Revoke access to any third-party apps you don’t trust.
- Report to Instagram: Contact Instagram support for guidance on regaining control of your account.
Preventing future hacks is essential. Be cautious with links or login credentials provided to unknown websites or apps, and regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized activity.
Algorithmic Changes and Recommendations
Instagram’s algorithms play a key role in shaping your feed and suggesting accounts to follow based on your interactions, likes, and activity on the platform.
Occasionally, Instagram may recommend accounts for you to follow based on this analysis, even if you haven’t explicitly followed them. Additionally, the Explore page highlights content and accounts the algorithm believes match your interests, which may give the impression that you’re following more users than intended.
While this doesn’t directly cause the issue, it can create the perception that you’re following accounts you never intended. Instagram’s recommendation system is designed to keep users engaged, occasionally suggesting accounts that align with their preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Instagram show I am following people I never followed?
Instagram might display accounts you haven’t followed due to inactive accounts (ghost followers), glitches in the system, or recommendations from Instagram’s algorithms. These factors can cause discrepancies between your actual followers and the number displayed.
Could a technical issue be causing this?
Yes, technical glitches or bugs in the Instagram app can lead to incorrect follow counts. A bug might prevent a follow action from registering properly, causing it to appear as if you’ve followed an account when you haven’t.
What are ghost followers, and how do they affect my account?
Ghost followers are inactive accounts that were once active but no longer engage with the platform. Instagram may take time to detect and remove these accounts, which could cause discrepancies in your followers’ list.
How can I fix this issue?
To fix the issue, try logging out and back in, updating the app to the latest version, or clearing the cache and data. If the problem persists, contact Instagram support for further assistance.
Can third-party apps cause this problem?
Yes, if you’ve granted third-party apps access to your Instagram account, they may follow or unfollow accounts on your behalf. Revoke access to any apps you no longer trust by following the steps in Instagram’s settings.
Could my account have been hacked?
It’s possible that your account was compromised. If you notice unusual activity, like accounts being followed without your consent, immediately change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and check for unauthorized actions.
Does Instagram’s algorithm cause this?
Instagram’s algorithm might suggest accounts based on your activity, which can sometimes give the impression that you’re following more people than you intended. This is a result of the platform trying to keep you engaged with content you might find interesting.
How can I prevent this from happening again?
Regularly check your followers’ list, use strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication. Be cautious with third-party apps, and make sure to only grant access to trusted services.
Conclusion
If you find that Instagram is showing you as following people you never did, it could be due to several factors, such as inactive accounts, technical glitches, third-party apps, or Instagram’s recommendation algorithms.
While these issues can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to resolve them, including updating the app, revoking access to untrusted apps, and securing your account. Regularly monitoring your followers and ensuring your account’s security will help maintain control over your Instagram experience. If the issue persists, reaching out to Instagram support for assistance can provide further solutions.
