The action of watching an Instagram story and subsequently blocking the user represents a sequence of events where an individual initially consumes content posted by another and then restricts that user’s access to their profile and future content. This action prevents the blocked user from viewing profiles, stories, posts, or contacting the blocker through direct messages. For instance, an individual might view a story from an account they are considering removing from their follower list and proceed to block them to prevent further interaction.
This sequence can be used to manage online interactions, limit unwanted communication, and curate a more controlled social media experience. Historically, blocking features have become standard across social media platforms as a means for users to protect themselves from harassment, spam, or simply to refine their online social circles. The ability to view content before blocking can provide a final assessment of the content creator’s suitability for inclusion in the user’s feed or follower list.