Hey guys! Ever been scrolling through Instagram and noticed you're following accounts you swear you never followed? It's like, where did these come from? You're not alone! This is a pretty common head-scratcher for many Instagram users, and there are a few reasons why this might be happening. Let's dive into the mystery of the self-following Instagram and what you can do about it!

Possible Reasons for Automatic Following

So, you're probably wondering, "Why on earth is Instagram following accounts on its own?" Let's break down some of the most common explanations:

1. Third-Party App Shenanigans

This is a big one, guys. Third-party apps that promise to boost your followers, likes, or engagement often require access to your Instagram account. Some of these apps, especially the less reputable ones, might engage in shady activities like automatically following accounts without your permission. They do this to create fake engagement or to make it look like you're more active than you actually are. Always be super careful about granting access to your account. Before you give any app permission to link to your Instagram, do a little digging to see if other users have had negative experiences with it. If you discover that a third-party app is following accounts without your permission, revoke its access immediately.

To revoke access, go to your Instagram settings, then to "Apps and Websites." Here, you'll see a list of all the apps you've authorized. Simply remove any apps that you don't recognize or trust. It's also a good idea to change your Instagram password after removing a suspicious app, just to be on the safe side. Remember: your account security is paramount. Don't risk it for a few extra likes or followers. Look for apps that follow Instagram's community guidelines, and be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions.

2. Connected Apps and Permissions

Beyond the obviously sketchy apps, sometimes you might accidentally grant permissions to legitimate apps that have unexpected side effects. For instance, some apps that help you find new music or track your fitness activities might ask to connect to your Instagram account. While these apps are generally safe, they might have features that automatically follow accounts related to your interests or friends. Dig through the settings of any apps that are connected to your Instagram account. Look for options that control how the app interacts with your following list. If you find any settings that allow the app to automatically follow accounts, disable them.

It's also possible that you (or someone with access to your account) accidentally clicked a button or setting within one of these connected apps that triggered the automatic following. Carefully review the permissions you've granted to each app and make sure you understand what each permission allows the app to do. If you're not sure about a particular permission, it's always better to err on the side of caution and revoke the app's access.

3. Instagram Glitches

Let's be real, Instagram isn't perfect. Sometimes, glitches happen. It's rare, but there could be a technical issue on Instagram's end that's causing you to automatically follow accounts. These glitches are usually temporary and get resolved quickly by Instagram's tech team, but they can be annoying while they last. Check online forums and social media to see if other users are reporting similar issues. If many people are experiencing the same problem, it's likely a glitch on Instagram's end. In this case, there's not much you can do except wait for Instagram to fix it. Make sure your Instagram app is up to date. Sometimes, these types of glitches are resolved in the latest version of the app. Keep an eye on updates and install them as soon as they become available.

4. Hacked Account

Okay, this is the scary one, but it's important to consider: your account might have been hacked. If you notice other strange activity, like posts you didn't create or messages you didn't send, it's a strong sign that someone else has gained access to your account. Change your password immediately! Use a strong, unique password that's difficult to guess. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. With 2FA, you'll need to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in from a new device. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password. Review your linked accounts. Hackers sometimes link your Instagram account to other accounts they control. Check your settings for any linked accounts and remove any that you don't recognize.

5. Instagram Algorithm and Suggested Users

While not exactly "automatic following," Instagram's algorithm is constantly suggesting new accounts for you to follow. These suggestions are based on your interests, your existing followers, and the accounts you interact with. It's possible that you accidentally clicked the "Follow" button on a suggested account without realizing it. Be mindful of your actions when browsing the "Explore" page or the "Suggested Users" section. Sometimes, the follow buttons are placed in a way that makes it easy to accidentally tap them. Double-check before you tap, especially if you're browsing quickly. If you're not interested in seeing suggested users, you can try to reduce the number of suggestions by unfollowing accounts that are similar to the ones being suggested. This might help the algorithm learn your preferences better.

How to Stop Instagram from Automatically Following Accounts

Alright, so you know why it might be happening, but what can you do to stop Instagram from automatically following accounts? Here's a game plan:

1. Review Third-Party App Permissions

As mentioned earlier, this is the first place to start. Head to your Instagram settings and revoke access to any apps you don't fully trust. Be ruthless! If you're not actively using an app, remove it. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you're unsure about an app, do some research online to see what other users have to say about it. Look for reviews and comments that mention suspicious activity or unauthorized following. If you find any red flags, remove the app immediately.

2. Change Your Password and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

This is a must, especially if you suspect your account has been compromised. A strong password and 2FA are your best defenses against hackers. When creating a new password, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthday or pet's name. Store your password in a secure password manager to avoid forgetting it. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in from a new device. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password.

3. Monitor Your Following List Regularly

Keep an eye on who you're following. If you see accounts you don't recognize, unfollow them immediately. This will help you catch any unauthorized following activity early on. Make it a habit to check your following list at least once a week. This will give you a chance to spot any suspicious activity and take action before it becomes a bigger problem. Pay close attention to accounts with generic names or profiles that seem fake. These are often the accounts that are automatically followed by third-party apps or hackers.

4. Contact Instagram Support

If you've tried everything else and you're still having problems, reach out to Instagram support. They might be able to help you identify the cause of the issue and take steps to resolve it. When contacting Instagram support, be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the problem you're experiencing. Include screenshots or videos if possible. The more information you can provide, the better able Instagram support will be to assist you.

5. Be Cautious About Clicking Links

Phishing scams are rampant, and clicking on a malicious link can compromise your account. Be wary of suspicious emails or messages that ask you to log in to your Instagram account or provide your personal information. Always double-check the URL before clicking on a link to make sure it's legitimate. If you're unsure about a link, don't click on it. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with Instagram automatically following accounts can be frustrating, but by taking these steps, you can regain control of your account and prevent it from happening again. Remember to be vigilant about your account security and always think twice before granting access to third-party apps. Stay safe out there, and happy Instagramming!