Why Does It Say a Person Has 3 Mutual Friends When I Only See 2? Instagram
Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to connect with friends, family, and acquaintances. One of its features is the “mutual friends” section, which displays the number of friends you have in common with someone. However, you might sometimes come across a situation where Instagram claims a person has three mutual friends, but you can only see two. This discrepancy can be confusing, so let’s delve into the reasons behind it.
1. Privacy Settings:
The most common reason for this discrepancy is privacy settings. Instagram allows users to control the visibility of their friend list. If one of the mutual friends has chosen to hide their friends list, it will appear as if the person in question has fewer mutual friends.
2. Removed or Blocked Accounts:
If one of the mutual friends has either removed or blocked the person in question, their name will no longer appear in the mutual friends list. This can lead to a mismatch between the number of mutual friends displayed and the actual count.
3. Pending Friend Requests:
Pending friend requests can also affect the number of mutual friends displayed. If the person in question has sent a friend request to someone, but it hasn’t been accepted yet, Instagram may still count them as a mutual friend.
4. Delayed Updates:
Instagram updates its mutual friends section periodically. Therefore, there might be a delay between the time a person adds or removes a friend and when the mutual friends count is updated. This can result in inconsistencies between the displayed number and the actual count.
5. Technical Glitches:
Like any other platform, Instagram is not immune to technical glitches. Sometimes, these glitches can lead to discrepancies in the mutual friends count. However, they are usually temporary and get resolved with time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I hide my mutual friends on Instagram?
Yes, Instagram allows you to control the visibility of your friend list. You can choose to hide it from everyone or only from specific individuals.
2. Can I see my mutual friends with a private account?
No, mutual friends are only visible when both users have a public account or have mutually approved each other’s follow requests.
3. How often does Instagram update the mutual friends count?
Instagram updates the mutual friends count periodically. The exact frequency is unknown, but it typically occurs within a few days.
4. Can I remove someone from my mutual friends list?
No, you cannot manually remove someone from your mutual friends list. The list is automatically generated based on the friends you have in common with a particular user.
5. Why does the mutual friends count change over time?
The mutual friends count can change over time due to various reasons, including friend requests being accepted or declined, people removing or blocking each other, or changes in privacy settings.
6. Can I see mutual friends with a deactivated account?
No, if an account is deactivated, you will not be able to see their mutual friends until they reactivate it.
7. Can Instagram’s mutual friends count be inaccurate?
Yes, due to privacy settings, pending friend requests, or delayed updates, the mutual friends count on Instagram can sometimes be inaccurate.
8. Can I request Instagram to update the mutual friends count?
No, Instagram automatically updates the mutual friends count, and there is no way to request a manual update.
9. Why can’t I see mutual friends with a business account?
Business accounts on Instagram do not have a mutual friends feature. This feature is only available for personal accounts.
10. Can I see the names of my mutual friends on Instagram?
No, Instagram only displays the number of mutual friends you have with another user. It does not disclose the names of those friends.
11. Can I see my mutual friends with a private profile if I follow them?
Yes, if you have a mutual following with a private account, you will be able to see the mutual friends list. However, this is only possible if the person has approved your follow request.