Instagram adds features that let you mute the trolls and turn off comments on photos
POPULAR social media app has launched new features that eliminates trolls and reaches out to those on social media that need help.
WHILE Twitter continues its losing battle to shut down the trolls, Instagram has taken the lead in making its social media a better and safer place.
Instagram chief Kevin Systrom has revealed new features in a blog announcement today that will help people fight back against the wave of online abuse that plagues social media.
One of the biggest changes today is the ability to turn off comments on a particular photo if it starts attracting unwanted comments, a feature that was previously only available to a select few on Instagram.
“While comments are largely positive, they’re not always kind or welcome,” the blog post says.
The feature will be released in a few weeks as part of an app update. When it’s launched, you will be able to turn off comments on a photo by going into advanced settings.
Instagram will copy its parent company Facebook in letting people like comments for the first time.
“Liking lets you show support and encourages positivity throughout the community,” Systrom says.
There have been high profile cases of people quitting social media in the wake of online abuse, including Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda turning off Twitter and shutting down her Instagram account in the wake of the abuse she received after her father’s death.
The reaction to the changes online have been mainly positive, although some have pointed out that it is just another way Instagram is looking to copy other popular social media.
It finally happened...you can now like people's comments on Instagram! #blessed
— Natalie Terzich (@its_nattylite) December 6, 2016
you can like people's comments on Instagram now and I just think that's the coolest thing ever
— libby (@libbyhellen) December 6, 2016
You can like people's comments on Instagram photos this IS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR !!!!!!!!!
— nothing (@Saucywoman123) December 6, 2016
The other major change is that you will be able to mute one of your followers if you have a private account.
“In the past, once you approved a follower, there was no simple way to undo that decision without blocking them,” Systrom says.
“Going forward, if your account is private, you can remove followers by going to your list of followers and tapping the … menu next to any person’s name. The person will not be notified that you removed them as a follower.”
A third new feature will be added that will empower all Instagram users to keep an eye out for someone who needs help.
“From time to time, you may see friends struggling and in need of support,” Systrom says.
“If you believe that someone you care about may be thinking about injuring themselves, you can report it anonymously, and we will connect your friend to organisations that offer help.”
Originally published as Instagram adds features that let you mute the trolls and turn off comments on photos
