Okay, here’s the blog post:

Instagram just added a “watch history” for Reels. Seriously? Let’s unpack this monument to algorithmic anxiety and the desperate need for Instagram to justify its existence. Let’s be clear: this isn’t innovation; it’s a panicked scramble to convince users that *something* interesting is happening on the platform.

The core argument – “It should help you to dig up old favorites you’ve lost” – is, frankly, insulting. It assumes the primary problem with Instagram Reels is that you’ve *forgotten* them. The real problem, my friends, is that you’ve likely been bombarded with a relentless stream of aggressively curated content designed to trigger dopamine hits and, ultimately, keep you scrolling until your eyeballs bleed. To suggest the solution is a retroactive record of your mindless consumption is like saying the answer to a house fire is to keep a detailed log of the flames.

Let’s break down the assumptions underpinning this announcement. Firstly, Instagram assumes you’re actively *seeking* lost Reels. This implies a level of intentional engagement that simply doesn’t exist for the vast majority of users. Most of us open Instagram, see something vaguely amusing, and immediately move on. The algorithm, of course, then proceeds to feed us *more* things to distract us from the fact that we’ve wasted 15 minutes of our lives.

Secondly, the “dig up old favorites” narrative conveniently sidesteps the fundamental issue of algorithmic overload. Instagram’s watch history won’t help you find a genuinely brilliant Reel. It’ll likely surface Reels you watched six months ago that are still being aggressively promoted because the algorithm *thinks* you’ll enjoy them. It’s the equivalent of a salesperson showing you a slightly used car they’re desperately trying to unload – it might be okay, but you’re still being manipulated.

The problem isn’t that you’ve forgotten your past Reels; it’s that Instagram hasn’t figured out how to stop relentlessly serving you content designed to exploit your attention span. This watch history is a shiny distraction from that core issue. It’s like adding a fancy rearview mirror to a car that’s permanently stuck in reverse.

Furthermore, let’s be realistic about the data Instagram is collecting with this feature. Suddenly, every single Reel you’ve ever watched – regardless of whether you liked it, commented on it, or simply glanced at it – is being meticulously tracked. This raises serious privacy concerns. Are they going to start judging you based on your viewing habits? “Oh, you spent 45 minutes watching videos of cats doing tricks? Clearly, you’re a deeply unproductive individual.”

The irony is palpable. Instagram, a platform known for its ephemeral content and fleeting trends, is now obsessed with documenting every single moment of your scrolling. It’s a digital echo of a habit they desperately want to monetize.

This isn’t a breakthrough; it’s a desperate, slightly pathetic attempt to prove Reels aren’t just a colossal waste of time. Don’t get fooled. Scroll on.