Instagram let’s users hide likes to avoid social media pressure. Instagram users may now hide the amount of likes they get on their photos.
The goal, according to the social media behemoth, is to “depressurize people’s experiences” on the network.Users who have the functionality enabled will now see “and others,” rather than a number, the username of a follower who has liked the post.
Since the beginning of 2019, the technology has been put to the test in a number of nations but now can be access globally.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri told the BBC, “This has taken longer than I had planned, but I am quite pleased about… giving consumers greater control over the experience.”
Users mental health
Following worries that using the site might be related to insecurity and poor mental health, Instagram indicated that eliminating likes had minimal influence on behavior or wellness in its tests and research.
In addition, according to a recent Oxford Internet Institute research, there is “minimal connection” between social media use and teen mental health.
Despite this, Mr Mosseri claims that Instagram – which is owned by Facebook – included the option to make users “feel good about the time they spend” on the website.
“I believe there is more work to be done in this space,” he continued. “The more individuals have the power to mould Instagram and Facebook into what they want, the better.”
How to activate this feature.
At any moment, the functionality may be turned on or off. To alter it, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings
2. Enter the new Posts section
3. Select Hide Like and View Counts
Even if Like Counts is turned on, users will be unable to view the amount of likes on accounts or posts that have them hidden.
Users will now be able to hide post counts both before and after they go live on the platform.
Less worry for all users
Mr Mosseri said, “The essence of this is to offer people a choice,” citing the example of a relationship breakup or moving to a new schools.
“Perhaps you want to be a little less concerned about just how many likes everyone is receiving for a few weeks or months, and then you want to flip back.
“When it comes to a one-way door, individuals are afraid to use the control.”When it comes to boosting photos on Instagram, the algorithm will still factor in the amount of likes.
Mr Mosseri added that while creators – accounts that generate money through brand partnerships and advertising on the network – had a “polarized” reaction, the new feature had no impact on income.
Instagram for children
Questions have been raised earlier this year after plans to create a children’s version of Instagram were disclosed.
Mr Mosseri stated that plans to build an Instagram for youngsters under the age of 13 were not “completely fledged,” saying that it was difficult to verify ages since minors sometimes did not have IDs.
“It is far more responsible to provide parents with monitoring and openness than to allow children to tell the truth about actual age.”
The app’s development will “take some time,” he claimed.
Source http://BBC.COM
