I want to preface this by saying that yes, I know that Instagram is bad. I am planning to get rid of it in the future but as of now I have to keep it for communication with people who are only on that platform.

So I have grapheneOS, use protonvpn (free version), use mull as my browser, and do not have google play services enabled on my phone. I do have some apps downloaded through aurora store such as Instagram, whatsapp, mychart, and mint mobile, but the rest came from f-droid.

I have noticed multiple times that after having private conversations on matrix, I get Instagram content in my feed that is scarily accurate to the conversation I had on the other platform immediately after. I know that things discussed in Instagram direct messages and group chat will give suggested content based on those conversations, but I get stuff that that is very specific to what I have ONLY discussed on matrix and didn’t look up via my browser.

So my question is how is Instagram doing this and what can I do to mitigate the spying it’s doing on my other apps. Thanks.

  • OrbituaryEnglish
    -5•5 months ago

    I have to keep it for communication with people who are only on that platform.

    This is always the excuse. Same one people use for FB.

    Drop it. If you want to keep talking to them, get their number. I’d they don’t give it to you, they’re not your friend and not someone you need to talk to.

    Stop feeding the platform that feeds your addiction.

    • @[email protected]OP
      8•5 months ago

      Dude, you don’t know anything of my situation. Why are you being so judgmental when I just asked a question. I’m not asking for lectures like this, which is why I made extra sure to clarify that I already know that Instagram is bad and I have to use it for a set amount of time.

      • OrbituaryEnglish
        -4•5 months ago

        Because it’s everyone’s answer. Always.

        “I hate it, but I use it to talk to people.”

        • @[email protected]OP
          2•5 months ago

          People are important. It’s necessary for mental health to balance privacy and being able to have a life.

    • @[email protected]
      3•5 months ago

      If you want to keep talking to them, get their number. I’d they don’t give it to you, they’re not your friend and not someone you need to talk to.

      From my experience this is completely false unfortunately.

      • OrbituaryEnglish
        -2•5 months ago

        Then it’s not worth it.

        • @[email protected]
          2•5 months ago

          It depends on the person I guess. I heard of people losing their friends like that and really regretting it.

          • @Wilzax
            1•5 months ago

            If you can lose a friend over putting your foot down about what platforms you want to message them on, they’re not a good friend.

            It’s the kind of sad situation where you have regrets no matter what you do. If they’re unwilling to find a different way to contact you when you leave Instagram, they’re probably unwilling to do a lot of things for you. You would regret relying on them when something actually hard happens and they leave you hanging.

            • @[email protected]
              1•5 months ago

              Such case is possible but I saw different. Maybe I am wrong here idk. The thing is you not willing to stay on the platform they want to stay on actually makes you a bad friend for those that don’t know anything about privacy but it’s besides the point.

            • @[email protected]OP
              1•5 months ago

              I think I can get them to switch when I leave Instagram, which is why I said I’ve only got to keep using it for a set amount of time. The issue is really that these are aquantinces that will become friends once I move and get to hang out with them IRL.