Instagram launches new features to stop bullying

Instagram, a social networking site, has launched two features which will automatically challenge users before they post something that might be considered offensive, and allow the affected persons to secretly block their bullies.

The features include a Restrict option, which will enable only the user and the restricted account to be able to see each other’s comments, unless the initial user approves the comment for public viewing. The feature will filter abusive comments without needing to block others.

This means that restricted users will not be able to see when a user is active on on Instagram or when direct messages have been read.

The second feature is comment warning, which alerts users before posting when their comments may be. The new feature will notify users when Instagram’s algorithms suspect that their comments might be considered offensive before they actually post.

According to the Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri, the early tests on the features indicated that they encouraged some people to undo their comments and share something that was less harmful.

“This intervention gives people a chance to reflect and undo their comment and prevents the recipient from receiving the harmful comment notification,” said Mosseri.

According to New Scientist Staff and Press Association report, the features were launched  after complains from young people that were reluctant to block, unfollow or report their bullies because it could escalate the situation especially if they interacted with their bullies in real life.