Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom today announced that the company is "taking the next step" to protect its users from online abuse with the wide launch of a new comment moderation feature in the photography-focused social network app. Referred to as a "keyword moderation tool," the feature will let each user type in words they find to be offensive, effectively hiding any mention of them in the comment section of their posts.
The comments containing the harsh language will still be available for other Instagram users, but the company believes that allowing each user to determine which words to hide from their personal collection of photos will cultivate a "positive and safe" environment. To deal with abusive accounts, Instagram already lets users swipe to delete comments, report inappropriate comments and block accounts.
Systrom refers to the keyword blocking update as the "first feature" for dealing with online abusers, suggesting Instagram is continuing to keep an eye on the issue and add more protective updates to its mobile app in the future. Once the app is updated, gain access to the comment moderation setting by following the steps below:
- Go to your Profile tab.
- Tap the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Find and tap "Comments."
- Toggle "Hide Inappropriate Comments" to automatically hide keywords that are "often reported as inappropriate."
- Or, add your own custom keywords in the text box, separating each with a comma.
- Tap "Done" to save your changes.
After previously allowing high-profile users, like businesses and various brands, to have access to the new feature, Instagram said that today marks its wide rollout to every user. Those who have yet to download the app can find Instagram for free on the iOS App Store. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
If you're barraged with foul language and nasty comments every time you check an application, directly or indirectly, it kinda has a habit of grinding you down, y'know? Consciously choosing to surround yourself in positivity, rather than nihilistic pessimism, doesn't mean you're an easy-to-offend special snowflake.
[doublepost=1473699311][/doublepost]That's why it's a choice. An option. It's not mandatory and you can opt in or out as you prefer.
Ironically people with that attitude are the same kind of people who usually engage in said harassment. Funny how that works
If you see some of the racial and sexist abuse that is occurring on social media, you'll fully understand where they are coming from with this feature
Well done Instagram
Grow up, guys. Maybe you don't get treated like **** on the internet, but lots of people do.