This week, Instagram’s Threads app introduced what it called its most-requested update so far: direct messaging. But the rollout of DMs has quickly drawn criticism, especially from women who feel the change has opened the door to more harassment without giving them any real choice to opt out.
Unlike other social platforms such as X, Mastodon, and Bluesky, Threads originally stood out by not offering private messages at all. For many users, this was a welcome difference — a quieter space without the constant expectation of replying to private messages or sifting through unwanted advances.
“I don’t want to receive DMs. How do I shut this thing off? I ask on behalf of all women,” one user posted, reflecting a sentiment echoed across the platform. Others were even more blunt. “Great. More ways for women to get harassed online,” read one comment. Another user sarcastically remarked, “Congrats on adding a feature only stalkers were interested in.”
When Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the feature on Threads, the reaction was swift and largely negative. Dozens of replies criticized the change, many insisting that “nobody asked for this.” One user shared a poll where thousands had voted against DMs, demonstrating that the demand may not have been as universal as the company believed. Others simply wanted to know if there was a way to disable the feature altogether — an option that does not currently exist.
Some users are concerned about more than harassment. They worry about an influx of bots, spam, and marketing messages filling their inboxes. While Threads’ system requires you to follow someone in order for them to DM you, the workaround feels inadequate for many. If someone starts sending unwanted messages, you must unfollow them to stop it, or take the more drastic step of blocking them, which also severs your connection on Instagram.
It’s possible the voices opposed to DMs are louder because dissatisfied users are more likely to air complaints publicly, similar to how people post negative reviews online more often than positive ones. Even so, their concerns highlight a real tension: introducing private messaging fundamentally alters the culture of the platform.
Meta may have assumed that tying DMs to mutual follows would offer enough control. But the reality is more complex. Users often follow strangers simply because they find their posts interesting, not because they want personal contact. For many, the lack of an opt-out leaves them feeling exposed — a reminder that sometimes, even popular new features come at a cost to user comfort and safety.
