Instagram tries to combat bullying with new features

Instagram is introducing new features that the service is hoping will put a stop to bullying. The first one is already rolling out to users. It’s a new artificial intelligence-backed feature that reminds users to take a step back before making a potentially offensive comment. Users will receive an alert that says “Are you sure you want to post this?” with an undo option and more information hidden behind a Learn More prompt. Instagram claims, “From early tests of this feature, we have found that it encourages some people to undo their comment and share something less hurtful once they have had a chance to reflect.”

Another feature Instagram is introducing will help those bullied to escape those who are tormenting them. Instagram will basically let people restrict access to their accounts. This means if you restrict someone, the comments they make on your account will only be visible to that person. Or you can choose to make these comments visible by approving their comments. People you restrict won’t see if you’re active on Instagram or when you’ve read their messages. According to Instagram, they’ve done this because they “heard from young people in our community that they’re reluctant to block, unfollow, or report their bully because it could escalate the situation, especially if they interact with their bully in real life. Some of these actions also make it difficult for a target to keep track of their bully’s behavior.”

Source: 9to5Mac