The social media giant Instagram fights against cyberbullies with its newly launched safety features. These features empower users to manage who can tag or mention them on the platform. It also helps to manage negative comments.
Last week Google introduced the teacher-approved Kids tab and now Instagram is launching new safety measures to combat online threats. With the Covid-19 crisis spreading globally, kids’ screen time has increased and parents are concerned about their online safety. As a result such safety measures are being taken by social platforms.
“We want Instagram to be a safe place for self-expression and we’re constantly looking for new and improved ways to achieve that.” said, Ankhi Das, Director of Public Policy, Facebook – India, South and Central Asia.
What Are Instagram’s Latest Safety Measures?
These new features mark Instagram’s effort to lead the industry and to fight against online bullying.
Controlling Unwanted Interactions
To control negative comments and to block unwanted communication, Instagram now enables the user to delete comments in bulk and to restrict multiple accounts that post negative comments.
To facilitate this feature on iOS, users can tap on a comment and then on the dotted icon in the top right corner. Select Manage Comments and pick up to 25 comments to delete at once. Tap on the “More” Options to block or restrict accounts in bulk.
To block or restrict accounts on Android, press and hold on a comment, hit the dotted icon, and select Block or Restrict.
Instagram encourages positive interactions. Soon it will start testing “Pinned Comments”. This tool offers a way to set the tone for the account and interact with the people by pinning a preferred number of comments to the head of their comments thread.
Choose Who Can Tag And Mention You
Instagram’s Tags and mentions are the easiest ways to increase followers. But it can be used to target and bully others as well. So Facebook and Instagram are all set to establish new restrictions that enable one to manage who can tag or mention him on Instagram.
Users can choose whether they want everyone, only people they follow or no one- to tag or mention them in a comment, caption, or in a story.
In addition to Instagram’s constant efforts to engage with the teens and youth on various contemporary social topics such as mental health, gender sensitivity, bullying, etc these measures are its active support to fight against digital dangers.
Instagram’s anti-bullying features not only restrict unwanted communication but also promote a safe and positive environment on this social platform.
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