Instagram Launch Anti-bullying Features
The Facebook-owned social media platform is taking steps to reduce online bullying and harassment.
In October 2020, as the National Bullying Prevention Month began, Instagram announces two new features to reduce negative interactions, including bullying and harassment in comments. How it works? According to CBS News, when a user writes a potentially offensive comment, a warning will pop-up before post it and said “This may go against our guidelines”, users will also have to click the “View hidden comments” button to see the negative comment.
Bullying is a challenge many face, especially young people who are already dealing with additional pressures brought on by COVID-19. While the world has certainly changed this year, our commitment to leading the industry in the fight against online bullying remains a priority. — Instagram Team
Since Instagram first initiate commitment to the Fight Against Online Bullying in October 2019, there were already 35 million people using or used the Restrict feature to protect their account from negative interactions.
Why important?
In today’s digital age, people of all ages and status put themselves online. Meanwhile, the concerns about the safety and privacy of their family and friends are increasing. 57% of US parents worry that their child will be the victim of cyberbullying (Mintel, US, Feb 2019). Online bullying and harassment have resulted in real-world consequences. There is a horrible connection between online bullying and teenage suicide because they connected with their phones 24/7 and continued to be bullied wherever they at.
Can Instagram algorithm pick up Tones and Emoji?
Half of the time people use negative emojis or tones under the comment. Emoji is a universal symbol that everyone can understand, it’s hard for an algorithm to detect whether the emoji comment is negative against the post. Otherwise, tones like “brave” under a selfie could also be very harassed.
This is definitely a great move by Instagram. We have to admit that it is impossible to fully rely on algorithms and technology to stop online bullying and harassment. Human nature will lead some people to click the “Hidden comments”. What the companies can do is to keep the anti-bullying movements and getting more social media platforms to aware and join in. As for us, don't hesitate to ASK FOR HELP or talk to people who look depressed. Even baby steps still step we look for anti-bullying progress.
