Instagram currently offers teens options to limit the amount of sensitive content they see on the social network. In June, the platform added an option that further restricts such content. Soon, this option will be enabled by default for teen Instagram users.
New default settings for teens on Instagram
The Meta-owned company also announced in a blog post (via the edge), updating the Instagram sensitive content control will enable a “less” option by default for users under 16. Currently, Instagram accounts created by teens come with the Standard option enabled, which still shows some sensitive content.
According to Instagram, the change will make it more difficult for young people to view “potentially sensitive content” on Instagram. The new setting affects search and exploration, tag pages, reels, feed recommendations, and suggested accounts.
But that’s not the only thing Instagram has announced to protect its teenage users. In addition, the platform will require teens to review their account settings, including options to control who can re-share their content, who can message them, as well as how much time they spend on Instagram.
With Instagram making its suggestions algorithm more aggressive to compete with TikTok, users (especially parents) have become concerned about what young people can see on the social network. It’s worth noting that Instagram also restricts how teens can send and receive messages from unknown people.
We’re constantly developing controls to help people customize their Instagram experience. Last summer, we launched a sensitive content control feature so people can choose how much or how little sensitive content they can see in Explore from accounts they don’t follow. Today, we are announcing updates to this control.
Instagram says the update is now rolling out to users. You can download the Instagram app for free from the App Store.
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