Image Credit: Instagram
Instagram is in the process of rolling out a new feature aimed at controlling online bullying.
Cyberbullying is a well-known problem throughout the digital world, and platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have been working hard on trying to prevent it.
Anyone who has access to an Instagram photo can leave a comment right under it. Instagram will be using artificial intelligence to monitor any bullying that could be happening online. To upgrade their security, they will now be sending out warnings to users who are about to post something potentially offensive.
This will give the user the opportunity to think about what they are about to post and reconsider their comment. Giving people that chance to reflect back on what they are about to do allows them to alter the way they are making the comment.
Another concern from users has been the reluctance to block, unfollow, or report someone who has been bullying them. They feel that if they do that, it will only make the situation worse. Instagram responded to these concerns by creating a “restrict” feature.
People that you restrict on Instagram won’t be able to see that you are active or that you’ve read their direct messages. If a negative comment is made, only the user will see the comment as opposed to all of their followers seeing it. This is one way that users can feel safer being on Instagram without letting their bullies know that they are on watch.
There is still a long way to go in putting an end to cyberbullying. With social media’s popularity, it will be hard to keep up with the ongoing bullying issues that will occur. Users can only continue to monitor who they want following them and should always proceed with caution when deciding to make any kind of controversial post. Social media has been a great way to connect with people from all around the world and the hope is that this trend will continue.
