Instagram is taking steps to address the issue of harassment on its platform by expanding the scope of its “Limits” tool for teenagers. This tool allows users to restrict unwanted interactions with people, and now, teens will have the option to only see comments, messages, story replies, tags, and mentions from their “Close Friends” group. Interactions from other accounts will be muted.
The development of the Limits feature came about as a response to the online harassment faced by English footballers Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after the Euro 2020 finals. Initially introduced as a test in 2021, Limits allowed users to restrict interactions with people they followed and long-standing followers.
Now, Instagram has fine-tuned the feature specifically for teenagers, with the “Close Friends” setting as the default option. This update aims to protect young users from bullying and harassment. While accounts outside of the “Close Friends” group can still interact with teenagers, their activity will not appear in the feed.
Alternatively, teenagers can also choose to limit interactions with recent followers or accounts they do not follow. This gives users another layer of control over who can engage with them on the platform.
In addition to expanding the Limits tool, Instagram is enhancing its “Restrict” feature. This feature allows users to limit interactions from specific accounts without blocking them entirely. When an account is restricted, all of their comments are hidden, and they are unable to tag or mention the user.
These updates demonstrate Instagram’s commitment to improving safety measures for its young users. Earlier this year, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) implemented restrictions that prevent adults from messaging teenagers who do not follow them. They also introduced a feature that blurs nudity in direct messages for teenage users.
These efforts by Meta are seen as a step in the right direction to address concerns about teen safety on social media platforms. The company has faced scrutiny and legal action in several regions, including over 40 U.S. states suing Meta last year, alleging that its product design negatively impacts the mental health of children. The European Union has also recently launched an investigation into Facebook and Instagram, citing concerns about addictive design and the negative impact on minors’ mental health.
By expanding the Limits and Restrict features, Instagram aims to create a safer environment for teenagers on its platform. These updates provide users with more control over their interactions and offer additional protection against harassment and bullying. With ongoing improvements and increased focus on user safety, Instagram is taking steps to address the concerns raised by regulators and users alike.
