if you block someone after viewing their story

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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21-02-2025

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Does Blocking Someone After Viewing Their Story Matter? The Truth About Instagram & Other Social Media

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you viewed someone's Instagram story, only to later block them? You're not alone. Many people wonder if blocking someone after viewing their story sends a notification or leaves any trace. The short answer is: it depends on the platform and its current features, but generally, no.

Instagram:

Instagram doesn't send a notification if you block someone after viewing their story. The platform's design prioritizes user privacy. While they may see that you viewed their story before the block, there's no indication that you blocked them specifically after viewing it. This means no alert, no red flag, nothing to suggest anything other than a standard view. Think of it like watching a TV show and then turning off your TV – the show doesn't know you did it.

Other Social Media Platforms:

The situation is similar on most other platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok. The core functionality centers on viewing content. Blocking someone typically only removes their ability to interact with your content. There's no reverse notification to let the blocked person know you saw their story before you blocked them.

Why Would Someone Block After Viewing?

Several reasons could lead someone to block another user after viewing their story:

• Unwanted Content: The story might contain content they find offensive, upsetting, or inappropriate.
• Stalking/Harassment Concerns: If the viewer feels uncomfortable or harassed by the user, blocking is a necessary step.
• Privacy Concerns: The viewer may have initially viewed the story out of curiosity but later decided they no longer want any interaction.
• Relationship Change: A falling out or ended relationship might lead to a block.
• Unfollowing Isn't Enough: Sometimes, unfollowing doesn't feel like a strong enough measure, leading to a block for complete separation.

Is It Rude?

Blocking someone is a personal choice. While some might consider it passive-aggressive to block after viewing, it's often a necessary measure for self-preservation or boundary-setting. Context matters significantly. If the context involved harassment or inappropriate content, blocking is entirely justifiable and arguably the responsible action.

What to Consider Before Blocking:

Before resorting to blocking, consider:

• Unfollowing: This is a less confrontational way to remove content from your feed.
• Muting: Muting will prevent you from seeing the person’s content without them being notified.
• Direct Communication: If appropriate, consider directly and calmly addressing your concerns with the other person.

Conclusion:

Blocking someone after viewing their story on most social media platforms generally leaves no digital footprint to alert the blocked user. While the action itself might be perceived differently by different people, it's ultimately a personal choice driven by the user's need for privacy and safety. Ultimately, the primary responsibility lies with the individual posting content to create and maintain a respectful online presence. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and use social media in a healthy, manageable way.