Instagram for better health

Instagram Without Likes

“We hope this test will reduce the pressure of the users that they have to have as many likes as possible so they can focus on sharing the content they like,” said Mia Garlick from Facebook Australia.

If a new change to Instagram comes to life, social networks will never be the same again. More and more, it seems that the reason people are putting anything on social networks these days is precisely because of the likes. It’s actually a way to get a confirmation from others, and where popularity is judged by the number of likes that a particular post received.

A number of studies have already found that social media, including Instagram makes changes to peoples lives. This can often be seen in the amount of time spent on the app at the expense of relationships and responsibilities. This is mainly what the app is designed for to generate revenue. Especially when it comes to young people. A Pew Research Centre study found that more than a third of teenagers felt “pressured” to post content they thought would get a lot of likes.

On one hand, this is a rather controversial decision because a large number of influencers on social networks rely just on the number of likes to show how popular they are and how they can control the prices they charge advertisers and the like.

However, Instagram has an interesting point of view that reads: “We want your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your post generates.”

Leaked Tests to “Hide” Like Counts

As of March, Instagram has also been testing a way to hide likes if the user chooses. It’s a similar idea but it offers more flexibility, as you can opt-in or out of hiding likes. Exec Adam Moserri said in his tweet that “The idea started well over a year ago now and it was to make like counts private,” but it was stopped due to various factors including the pandemic and recent racial tensions.

It’s still not certain whether this Instagram feature will become available, as it’s bound to be a polarising one. If it does come out, it will almost certainly function on a per-post basis. There will be an option to hide likes on certain posts, which can greatly help users suffering from anxiety.

Introducing Rooms

Instagram is introducing a new option, which will allow more people to talk live at the same time. The new function, “Live Rooms”, allows up to four participants in the video call, instead of the previous two. During the current health crisis and social distancing, this option is more than welcome for Instagram users. According to reports from this social network, they hope that Live Rooms will encourage users to start podcasts, form music groups or in some way unite through a platform.

There are obvious similarities that Live Rooms share with the increasingly popular Clubhouse app. except that it’s not necessary to turn on the camera there, while Instagram still requires it, writes B92. This is probably a way for Facebook, which owns, Instagram, to fight the competition that Clubhouse represents. Still, this would provide a decent alternative for any Instagram Android users. Clubhouse remains only available on iOS for now, and only through an invitation.

Smartphone addiction is a huge problem in modern society

Other Useful Instagram Features

A tool using AI technology is also in the works according to Instagram to protect people from feeling bullied. It will detect “borderline content” and encourage the user to reword and rethink their comment. The “Restrict” feature is also about to roll out with the platform. Users will be able to block people without them even knowing it. Also, they will be able to view any comments from that account before they go public. They can then approve, delete or leave the comment on pending.

It is unclear whether the Instagram plans associated with this change can be realistic or if they are only testing and collecting feedback from users, but as we have said, this will definitely shake the world of Instagram influencers but help the overall mental health of their users.

There are also some upcoming additions that should give content creators more tools to work with. It will likely be possible to add affiliate content and links, allowing further monetisation. This option is already available on many other platforms, so it’s good to see Instagram catching up.

Another useful update for creators includes a professional dashboard, that centralises useful resources within a single hub. You can find the dashboard at the top of your profile page, and from there you can track your business performance. There are many useful analytics and tools there that might give you the edge you need. This feature set should be extremely useful for anyone managing their business through instagram. If you are interested in starting a business through Instagram but require some pointers, just let us know!

Give us a Call!

Instagram and all other social networks can be dangerous to your health with improper use and with unhealthy habits. iPhone is not safe That’s why it’s important to keep yourself informed in order to spot risky patterns before they happen. If you need help setting up Instagram, or any other social network, give us a call! Don’t hesitate to contact us as there’s so much we can do for you. If you’re not sure where to start you can see our session questionnaire for guidance.