Instagram continues to fight against bullying
The social media giant Instagram is introducing two new functions on its blog to combat online bullying. Among other things, it will be easier for those affected to hide comments.
Instagram has been fighting cyberbullying for some time now. In the next big fix to the problem, artificial intelligence and a new option for users are now being trialled.
More effort is needed to prevent online bullying, Instagram writes in its blog. This is why anyone can now take direct action. "These tools are based on a deep understanding of how people bully each other and how they respond to bullying on Instagram, but they're just two steps on a longer journey," Instagram continues.
This is what the two new functions will do
The first of the two functions is aimed directly at potential bullies. Instagram has already started rolling out the new function based on artificial intelligence in recent days. As soon as Instagram's artificial intelligence categorises a comment as offensive, the writer is notified in a window below the text before it is published.
"Are you sure you want to post this message?" Instagram's AI will then ask you if you're typing bad words.
This intervention gives the disgruntled commenter the opportunity to reflect on the comment again and, if necessary, undo it. And this happens before the recipient receives a comment notification. In tests, Instagram is said to have found that many potential bullies would reconsider their comment thanks to this function.
The second function comes into play if the cyberbully is not impressed by the first new function and continues to bully. In this case, the person affected can block the villain. However, many affected users do not do this, as the other person would notice this step.
That's why Instagram now wants to restrict bullying comments without the cyber bullies realising that they have just been blocked.
The new feature means that other users can no longer see a comment you have reported. Only you and the bully will still see the comment. The "restricted person" will no longer be able to see whether you are currently online or have read the notification.
The function is still in the test phase. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, has not yet announced a release date.
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