Instagram, the popular social media platform owned by Meta, has announced the rollout of several exciting new features designed to enhance user interaction and ensure safety for its global community. These updates include enhancements to the Notes feature and a new Limit Interactions option aimed at protecting users from unwanted interactions and potential harassment. Here’s a closer look at what’s new on Instagram.
Enhancements to Instagram Notes
Originally launched in December 2022, the Notes feature on Instagram allows users to share short messages with their friends within the Direct Messages (DM) section. Positioned at the top of the messages, it has quickly become a popular way for users to communicate their thoughts and keep up with friends. Now, Instagram is adding three new interactive elements to this feature.
1. Notes Prompt: Users will now encounter thought-provoking questions and musings when they enter the Notes section. They can respond directly to these prompts with their own Notes, fostering a more engaging and conversational experience.
2. Quick Likes: With the introduction of quick Likes, users can easily show appreciation for their friends’ Notes by simply double-tapping on them. This feature is expected to enhance the interaction and engagement among friends and followers.
3. Tagging in Notes: Users can now tag their followers in Notes using the ‘@’ symbol before the username. Tagged individuals will receive notifications, allowing for a more direct and responsive way to communicate and connect.
Instagram believes these updates will make it “easier for you to express yourself, spark conversations, and connect with friends!” These new features are poised to make the Notes section a more dynamic and engaging part of the Instagram experience.
New Limit Interactions Feature for Enhanced Safety
In a significant move to enhance user safety, Instagram has introduced the Limit Interactions feature. This new tool is specifically designed to help users avoid unwanted interactions from potential bullies and trolls. The feature can be particularly beneficial for public figures or teenagers who are often the targets of online harassment.
How It Works:
- Temporary Limits: Users can set temporary limits on interactions, ranging from one day to up to four weeks.
- Customized Restrictions: Users can choose to limit interactions to Close Friends or pause them for recent followers and accounts that do not follow them back.
- Comprehensive Control: The settings allow users to decide whether to limit just new comments on posts and chats or include other interactions such as DMs and tags.
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, highlighted the practicality of this feature in real-life scenarios, such as helping a football player who missed a penalty avoid immediate harassment or shielding teenagers from online bullying. To activate this feature, users need to navigate to Settings > Activity > Limit Interactions, where they can customize the restrictions according to their needs.
Threads Desktop App Gets a New Look
In addition to these Instagram updates, Threads, another app from Meta, has received a significant upgrade. The desktop version of Threads now includes a TweetDeck-styled view, enhancing usability for desktop users and offering a more streamlined and efficient way to stay connected with their network.
Conclusion
Instagram’s latest updates underline the platform’s commitment to improving user experience and safety. By enhancing the Notes feature and introducing the Limit Interactions option, Instagram is making it easier for users to connect, express themselves, and stay protected from online negativity. These features are a welcome addition, promising a more interactive and safer social media environment.