Instagram implements two anti-bullying features on its platform
Instagram anti-bullying features are in the testing phase.
Instagram knows it has a bullying problem, and they’re doing something to change it.
The image-based social media platform is currently testing two new features in its war on bullying.
The first feature is a comment warning designed to make you think twice before commenting something abusive. AI scans your text as you type and then if abusive, prompts you to reconsider with a polite “Are you sure you want to post this? Learn more.”
The hope is that users will realise what they are doing before it’s too late, and either not post or say something nicer. (We’ve ALL been there- being so angry at someone and then you sms or comment something that you wish you could take back.) It’s about being conscious of your actions.
In Monday’s press release, Instagram head Adam Mosseri wrote that early tests had shown the feature encouraging “some people to undo their comment and share something less hurtful once they had a chance to reflect.”
Restrict
Look, bullying is wildfire accelerated by social media. It is a sensitive issue that must be dealt with caringly (yet with vigor.) Full-on blocking someone or calling them out can have negative ramifications in real life. It’s all fine and well to be protected online, but these kids are still going to school where shit literally gets really bad for victims.
So, Insta’s second feature walks on bullying eggshells. It’s called “Restrict.”
Restrict allows users to ‘block’ bullies without them being aware of it. It works much like Facebook’s block feature, however the person restricting the user (bully) has the ability to review comments made by the restricted and decide to approve it, delete it or leave it in limbo where the restricted thinks he posted it.
So as a victim, you’ll still seeing the harmful words spewed at you, but you can choose to not have it posted for the world to see. Meanwhile the bully still thinks it was posted.
There’s no easy way to tackle this problem, but it’s great to see a social media platform at least try out anti-bullying features that will hopefully make a positive change.
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