What Happened to Instagram's Following Tab? Adios, IG Stalking

While Instagram comes in clutch for "wholesome activities," such as catching up with old friends and staying in touch with family, it's also a really stellar stalking tool. 

But as of this week, the app nixed a rather helpful feature that made the art of IG stalking seriously simple. Now, users are no longer able to see what kinds of things their followers are liking.

So, you may be wondering, "what happened to Instagram's Following tab?" We've done a little investigating, so stay tuned.

According to a statement from a Facebook spokesperson, Instagram decided the Following tab was no longer of use to its users. 

It was created back in March 2011 to show users what their friends were engaging with. However, it turns out some users found it to be a "hidden" feature they weren't using.

So, to everyone who didn't take advantage of the Following tab: why did you have to ruin it for the rest of us? LOL. Take a look at how the original Following tab looked (pictured above).

The statement from the Facebook spokesperson reads:

"We’re always working to make Instagram the best space to connect with the people and things you love. While this includes introducing new features, it also means removing old ones that may no longer be useful for our community. Starting today, we will begin removing the 'Following' tab, which was previously accessible by pressing the heart icon and selecting 'Following.'" 

Now that Instagram has taken away its Following tab, according to the Facebook spokesperson, all you will see upon clicking the heart in the bottom right corner of your app is the 'You' tab. This will now simply be known as "Activity."

"Activity" will show how followers and non-followers alike have interacted with your content. Take a look at how it looks now (pictured above).

See why I'm upset? Whether you used the Following tab to see what your exes were doing, who your friends were into, or to catch up on celebrity gossip, it was one of the greatest stalking tools in the history of internet stalking. 

Darn you, non-Instagram-stalking fiends.

In fact, earlier this week, the popular photo-sharing app began rolling out a new Dark Mode feature, which makes the background of users' apps completely dark. It's far easier on the eyes than the original white background, and TBH, it makes colors in videos and photos more vivid. If you couldn't tell, I'm all about it.

Well guys, Instagram has taken away one of the most helpful internet stalking tools out there, so it goes without saying I'm mourning the Following tab as we speak. Seriously, if you need me, I'll be Facebook stalking everyone I've ever met. 

RIP Instagram's beloved Following tab — you will be in our online stalking hearts forever.