[mastercoder82]

Well, it's definitely a dark pattern.

But why do you use Instagram to view cat pictures?

Just use google image search to view as many cat pictures you want. Yes, google also serve ads - but it doesn't prevent you from viewing images. And ads can be easily blocked with an ad blocker.

Social media, specially the FB family, is all about dark patterns. Avoid using them - at least for viewing cat pictures.