Instagram Unveils Sweeping Changes for Users Under Age 18

Instagram has announced a series of significant changes aimed at protecting the well-being of users under the age of 18. The social media platform, which is owned by Meta, has faced increasing scrutiny over its impact on the mental health and safety of young users. In response to these concerns, Instagram has unveiled a set of new features and restrictions that will apply specifically to users under 18.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a new feature called “Take a Break.” This feature will prompt users under 18 to take a break from the app after they have been scrolling for a certain amount of time. The goal of this feature is to encourage users to be more mindful of their screen time and to prevent them from spending excessive amounts of time on the platform.

In addition to the “Take a Break” feature, Instagram will also be implementing new restrictions on the types of content that can be shared by users under 18. For example, users in this age group will no longer be able to see content related to weight loss products or cosmetic surgery, and they will be restricted from viewing posts that promote certain types of dieting and detox products.

Furthermore, Instagram will be rolling out new privacy settings for users under 18. These settings will give young users more control over who can see their posts and who can send them direct messages. The platform will also be introducing new safety features that will make it easier for young users to report abusive or inappropriate content.

These changes come on the heels of a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, which revealed that Instagram has been aware of the negative impact its platform can have on the mental health of young users. The report cited internal documents from Meta that showed the company’s own research on the issue. In response to these findings, Instagram is now taking steps to address these concerns and to create a safer and more positive environment for young users.

Overall, these changes represent a significant step forward for Instagram in its efforts to protect the well-being of young users. By implementing new features and restrictions specifically for users under 18, the platform is sending a clear message that it is committed to creating a safe and healthy online environment for all of its users. It remains to be seen how effective these changes will be in practice, but they are certainly a step in the right direction.