Instagram users will be able to filter out abusive messages and comments soon.
It's part of new update.
It follows a social media blackout by a number of sporting stars and Premier League footballers.
They're protesting against platforms that allow racist and sexist abuse to continue.
We're announcing new tools to help prevent abuse on Instagram. Soon you'll be able to filter offensive DMs into a hidden folder so you never have to see them, and we're making it harder for someone you've blocked to contact you again from a new account. https://t.co/LfPE6Gdw4v
— Instagram Comms (@InstagramComms) April 21, 2021
Hidden Words Is To Combat Trolls
A new Instagram tool, called “Hidden Words”, hopes to tackle the issue of trolling on the platform.
The update will allow users to build a list of offensive terms, or use a premade last created by the app.
Then, if someone receives a comment or message including those words, phrases or emojis it will be “filtered out” and kept in a separate folder.
Head of Education at Cyber Safe Kids Philip Arneill says for many young people social media is “the real world” and their behaviour should reflect that:
"We need to make it clear to kids that they way they behave offline is also they way they should behave online."
"So if you're a kind, responsible, empathetic person, why not be that way online too?"
'Don't feel sorry for us', says Villa's Mings after online racial abuse https://t.co/5qJRcDZfwU pic.twitter.com/CSzqOW17lR
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 16, 2021
"Weird" To See Abusive People Tweeting #BeKind
Spin presenter and TikTok star Marty Guilfoyle says the “Be Kind” movement that began after the death of presenter Caroline Flack did little to combat online abuse:
"It was a bit weird to see people preaching BeKind but yet do the exact opposite."
Marty adds, "It was down really to them not realising the person they're talking about might not see their message."
Instagram's also including a new tool that'll prevent someone you've blocked from contacting you with a new account.
