This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
October 14, 2019, marked a significant step towards a safer online experience as Instagram rolled out its new 'restrict' feature, aimed at limiting exposure to cyberbullies.
With the rise of social media, cyberbullying has become a pressing concern, with Instagram being a prime target due to its photo-centric nature. The platform's heavy reliance on visual content makes it an ideal breeding ground for trolls, who can easily comment and ridicule users with little to no consequence.
Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, has consistently emphasized the platform's commitment to creating a safe environment for all users. Given the diverse age range of Instagram users, prioritizing safety is crucial to ensure that everyone can express themselves without fear of harassment or ridicule.
The 'restrict' feature allows users to limit the exposure of certain individuals who consistently troll or harass them. By swiping left on a comment, users can restrict the visibility of that comment to only the person who made it. This feature can be accessed through the Privacy tab in Settings or directly on the profile of the account being restricted.
Once restricted, comments from the individual will only be visible to them, and users won't receive any notifications. This feature is particularly beneficial for content creators who often face a large and diverse audience. By restricting comments from trolls, creators can maintain a safer and more positive online environment.
However, some argue that users should be more mindful of what they post and take responsibility for their online interactions. Others suggest that hiring someone to respond to comments or asking a friend to help can be a viable solution for influencers who want to maintain a positive online presence.
As Instagram continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its users, the 'restrict' feature is a significant step towards creating a safer and more enjoyable online experience.
