Social media has undoubtedly given many users privileges over the years when it comes to voicing their opinion on certain subjects; as well as connecting with millions around the world. One of the cons of social media (you could say) is the cyber-bullying aspect. 

Many celebrities have been targeted via various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in particular. Posting a picture or tweeting a post can no longer be done, without logging back into your account to find a surge of un-flattering comments or replies. The good news for those who have been targeted to abuse online is that Instagram has announced they will be rolling out a series of AI tools which will help users reduce the number of hateful comments on their platform. 

Among the series of tools, they have introduced a feature called ‘Restrict’. This feature will give users much more control in terms of the comments they can view on their posts, whilst allowing them to hide comments from specific people. This can be done without notifying the person and their comments will still appear in your post, but to them only. ‘Once you Restrict someone, comments on your posts from that person will only be visible to that person,’ Instagram says.

‘It’s our responsibility to create a safe environment on Instagram,’ Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri said in a blog post. ‘This has been an important priority for us for some time, and we are continuing to invest in better understanding and tackling this problem.’ Social media is a place where users are giving freedom of speech, nobody should have to feel threatened or abused by their right to say what they feel, as long as it’s not discriminatory or abusive to others. Instagram reminds users to keep their platform a ‘supportive place’. 

It’s important to rethink comments before posting. Make social media a happy place for everyone.