Instagram is a powerful social media platform that connects people worldwide but also presents challenges—especially when it comes to unwanted advertisements. Many users have reported seeing adult-themed ads despite never expressing interest in such content. Whether you are a parent concerned about what your child sees, someone looking to maintain a more positive online experience, or an individual struggling with internet addiction, it’s important to take control of the content that appears on your feed.
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, uses algorithms to tailor ads based on user behavior, interests, and browsing activity. While this helps deliver relevant content, it also means that users can be exposed to inappropriate or unwanted advertisements. Fortunately, Instagram offers several tools to limit sensitive content and customize ad preferences. By using these settings, users can reduce exposure to adult ads, gambling promotions, and other sensitive materials.
Let’s explore how you can create a safer, more controlled Instagram experience.
Steps to Limit Adult Content on Instagram:
Limit Sensitive Content
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Under the section “What you see, ” click Content Preferences.
- Now click “Sensitive Content.”
- Choose “Less: You might see less sensitive content.”
- Click “Confirm.”
Block Specific Words & Phrases
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Under the section “What you see, ” click Content Preferences.
- Now click “Specific Words & Phrases.”
- Add any words, phrases, or emojis you want to block, separated by commas.
Hide Specific Ads
- Tap the three-dot menu on the ad and choose “Hide Ad”.
- Instagram will ask for feedback to improve ad recommendations.
Customize Ad Preferences
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Choose “Accounts Center.”
- Now Choose “Ad Preferences.”
- Scroll down until you see Ad Topics, then click “See all.”
- In the search box at the top, you can search for topics you do not want to see. Clicking on the search box brings up the default topics of:
- Liquor, beer & wine
- Parenting
- Pets
- Special Issues, Elections or Politics
- Gambling
- Body Weight Control
- If you do not want to see any of these categories, click it, then choose “See less.”
- You can type anything you wish in the search box. Experiment. Some suggestions include: sex (scroll down and choose “Sex Tape (film)” and “Hip-Hop“), adult (scroll down and choose “Adult Entertainment“).
Ad Preferences: Manage Info
You can go through and customize the information Instagram has about you, by which it generates ads. To access this area, do the following:
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Choose “Accounts Center.”
- Now Choose “Ad Preferences.”
- Click the Tab “Manage Information.”
You can edit the following information:
- Categories used to reach you
- Activity information from ad partners
- Audiance-based advertising
- Ads from ad partners
- Ads about Meta
- Social Interactions
- What information is used to show me ads
Tech Addiction Treatment Services
Do you spend too much time on Instagram? I provide specialized therapy for individuals struggling with tech addiction. My approach involves:
- Assessment: Determining the extent of the addiction through targeted questions and assessments.
- Behavior Modification: Implement strategies to reduce online time and find real-life alternatives to fulfill unmet needs.
- Integrated Treatment: Addressing co-occurring conditions such as Autism, Social Anxiety, or Depression, which often accompany internet addiction.
With 16 years of experience, I provide Teletherapy services to Clients in Texas, offering flexible afternoon and evening sessions. My personal experience with internet addiction gives me insight into this problematic condition.
For more information or to schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation, visit Nathan Driskell’s Internet Addiction Treatment Page.
Conculsion
Managing the content you see on Instagram is essential for maintaining a comfortable and personalized browsing experience. While Meta’s algorithms curate ads based on your online activity, you can control what appears on your feed. By adjusting sensitive content settings, blocking specific words and phrases, customizing ad preferences, and managing the information Instagram uses for ads, you can significantly reduce exposure to unwanted adult-themed content.
These steps enhance your online experience and help create a more positive and distraction-free environment. Social media should be a tool for connection and enjoyment, not a source of discomfort or unwanted exposure. You can tailor Instagram to align better with your values and interests with the proper adjustments.
Taking a few minutes to implement these settings can significantly change what you see every day. As Instagram continues evolving, staying informed about new privacy and content control features will ensure that you always have the tools to maintain a customized and comfortable browsing experience.
You can reach me at my website or call me directly at 832-559-3520 if you have any questions. Thank You!
- How to Limit Adult Ads on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide - March 5, 2025
- Break Free from Doomscrolling: 7 Ways to Reclaim Control - March 3, 2025
- The 5 Most Common Symptoms of Autism - August 15, 2023
