The practice of sequentially following and then unfollowing accounts on Instagram describes a technique used to gain attention and increase one’s own follower count. This method typically involves following a large number of users with the expectation that a portion of them will reciprocate by following back. After a period, those who did not follow back are then unfollowed.
This strategy became prevalent as individuals and businesses sought to enhance their visibility and perceived popularity on the platform. The goal is to create the impression of a substantial following while minimizing the number of accounts one is actively following. This perceived imbalance can be viewed as advantageous in certain online circles, though its effectiveness and ethical implications are debated.