Instagram is launching two new tools aimed at fighting cyberbullying. One uses artificial intelligence to alert people that their comments may be offensive, and the other allows users to effectively block anyone they no longer want to interact with.
Instagram is potentially a platform for bullies
Bullying has nowadays become a serious issue and on Instagram bullies are abundant. Why? For starters, Instagram’s primary users are teenagers. Given its popularity, Instagram has proactively taken steps to prevent cyberbullying on its platform and promote respect, acceptance and kindness. To educate its younger crowd on proper social etiquette, Instagram has put out an anti-bullying guide for parents and children.
How to prevent bullying on Instagram
Instagram is now raising the bar with two new tools designed to prevent cyberbullying. In a blog post CEO Adam Mosseri explains how these tools work and the positive impact they’re expected to generate. The first tool is designed to encourage positive interactions. Instagram already uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to detect bullying and other damaging content after it has been published. This new tool puts AI to work by detecting potentially offensive comments before they are published and send a pop-up prompt to the commenter asking to review the language. The goal is to block impulsive comments and promote a kinder environment. The second tool is called Restrict and helps victims of bullying to protect their account through “limiting”. By limiting someone, they will only be able to read their comments on your posts. They won’t even know when you’re active. Restrict is designed to help people who are afraid to block, unfollow or report.
Kudos to Instagram for setting a good example and paving the road to bullying-free social media.