What were the major decisions made by Instagram's co-founders during periods of crisis?

During periods of crisis, Instagram's co-founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, made several key decisions to navigate challenges and maintain the platform's stability and reputation. Here are some notable decisions made during such times:

1. **Algorithm Changes and User Backlash**: In 2016, Instagram introduced an algorithmic feed, moving away from the chronological order. This decision was met with significant backlash from users who preferred the old format. To address the criticism:
   - **Communication and Transparency**: Systrom and Krieger publicly explained the reasons for the change, emphasizing that the new algorithm aimed to improve user experience by showing more relevant content.
   - **Adjustments**: They made subsequent tweaks to the algorithm based on user feedback to strike a balance between relevance and chronology.

2. **Privacy and Data Security Issues**: Following various privacy concerns and data security issues, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal involving Facebook:
   - **Enhanced Privacy Features**: Instagram introduced additional privacy features, such as more robust account security options and clearer privacy settings, to address user concerns.
   - **Public Statements**: They made public statements to reassure users about the platform's commitment to protecting their data and maintaining transparency.

3. **Content Moderation and Misinformation**: Instagram faced criticism for not doing enough to combat misinformation and harmful content:
   - **Policy Updates**: Systrom and Krieger supported the implementation of stricter content moderation policies and developed tools to address harmful content.
   - **Collaboration with Experts**: They worked with external organizations and experts to improve content moderation and enhance the platform's ability to manage misinformation.

4. **User Policy Changes**: Changes in user policies, such as updates to the Terms of Service or community guidelines, sometimes led to confusion or discontent:
   - **Clear Communication**: The founders prioritized clear communication about policy changes and the rationale behind them. They often used blog posts and official statements to explain the updates and how they would affect users.

5. **Response to Acquisition Concerns**: After Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012, there were concerns about how the acquisition would affect the platform's independence and user experience:
   - **Reassurances**: Systrom and Krieger reassured users and the media that Instagram would continue to operate independently while benefiting from Facebook's resources. They emphasized that the core experience of Instagram would remain unchanged.

6. **Handling Negative Publicity**: During times of negative publicity or controversy, such as user dissatisfaction with platform changes or external issues affecting the brand:
   - **Proactive Engagement**: The co-founders engaged proactively with the media and users to address concerns. They provided updates and engaged in dialogue to mitigate negative perceptions and rebuild trust.

7. **Balancing Growth and Stability**: As Instagram scaled rapidly, there were challenges related to maintaining performance and user satisfaction:
   - **Infrastructure Investments**: They invested in scaling the platform's infrastructure to handle increased user load and ensure stable performance.
   - **Focus on User Feedback**: They emphasized listening to user feedback to address issues quickly and maintain a positive user experience.

These decisions reflect Systrom and Krieger's commitment to balancing user satisfaction with the needs of a growing and evolving platform. Their approach to crisis management involved clear communication, responsiveness to feedback, and strategic adjustments to address challenges effectively.