So, you blocked someone on Instagram, then unblocked them. What now? The answer isn't always straightforward, and it depends on a few factors. This post will explore the intricacies of blocking and unblocking on Instagram, helping you understand the implications for both you and the person you've blocked and then unblocked.
What Happens When You Block Someone on Instagram?
Before we delve into the unblocking process, let's recap what happens when you initially block someone:
- They can't see your profile: Your profile, posts, stories, and highlights become completely invisible to them.
- They can't message you: They won't be able to send you direct messages.
- They can't tag you: They're unable to tag you in posts or stories.
- They can't follow you: If they were following you, they'll be unfollowed.
- You can't see them: You won't see their profile, posts, stories, or comments either.
Unblocking Someone on Instagram: The Aftermath
Now, the big question: what happens when you unblock them?
The short answer: It's not an immediate reset. While they can now potentially see your profile and interact with your content, it doesn't guarantee they'll suddenly see everything you've ever posted.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Profile Visibility: Your profile will become visible to them again.
- Messaging: They can now send you direct messages.
- Tagging: They can tag you in posts and stories.
- Following: They'll need to follow you again if they want to receive updates in their feed. They won't automatically be re-followed.
- Past Content: They won't automatically see posts or stories you shared while they were blocked. They will only see the content you post after you unblock them. Instagram doesn't retroactively share blocked content.
Potential Complications:
- Notifications: They won't receive any notifications about content you shared while they were blocked.
- Algorithm: The Instagram algorithm plays a significant role. Even after unblocking, their feed might not immediately show your new content. This is because the algorithm prioritizes engagement and recency.
- Their Actions: They may or may not choose to follow you again after you've unblocked them. This is entirely up to them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will they know I unblocked them? No, Instagram doesn't send a notification when you unblock someone.
Q: If I block and unblock repeatedly, will it affect my account? While it's not against Instagram's terms of service to block and unblock, frequently doing so might raise suspicions. It's best to use this function judiciously.
Q: Can I block and unblock to control who sees my stories? This is generally not a reliable method for controlling who sees your stories. Instagram's privacy settings are more effective for this purpose.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
Blocking and unblocking someone on Instagram is a powerful tool, but it's essential to use it wisely. Understanding the implications, particularly the lack of immediate reset, can help you avoid misunderstandings and unintended consequences. Always consider your reasons for blocking and unblocking, and weigh the potential ramifications before taking action. Remember, clear communication is often the best approach to resolving issues on social media.
