Being unable to view a public figure’s profile or interact with their content on the Instagram platform, due to a restriction imposed by that individual, constitutes a digital blocking. For example, an Instagram user might find they can no longer see posts or stories from a particular actor after having left a critical comment on a previous post.
The significance of this action resides in its capacity to shape digital interactions and control online narratives. Public figures utilize blocking as a tool to curate their online presence, manage interactions, and mitigate potential negative impacts on their image. Historically, the ability to control communication channels was limited; however, social media platforms now provide tools that allow individuals, including high-profile personalities, to actively manage their audience and the content they are exposed to.