Instagram users have gained a new control that will allow them to set the level of potentially sensitive content they see on the platform. This is only one of many changes that Facebook has introduced recently in a bid to provide users with greater control over their Instagram experience. This is in addition to more grander changes that Facebook has been making to all of its apps in general, including the main Facebook app.
Besides the usual improvements one might expect with a social networking app, Facebook has been looking to add more user-focused tools as well. For example, earlier in the month, Facebook announced the launch of a new Security Checkup tool that looks to help users clean up and avoid any further issues developing from an Instagram account that might have been compromised.
The company’s latest tool is not designed to protect users from hacks, but from viewing content that might not be appropriate for them, with the new Sensitive Content Control offering the option to set the level of sensitive content a user is exposed to in Explore. Considering the Explore section is the area where Instagram tends to push content to users, including from users they don't know, it makes sense for Facebook to limit the new tool to this section. According to Facebook, different users are happy to see varying degrees of sensitive content and the new control settings are specifically designed to allow them to determine their own level of comfort.
How Instagram’s Sensitive Content Control Works
The new Sensitive Content Control settings can be viewed by tapping on the profile icon in the Instagram app and then on settings. From here, the user can tap on Account followed by the new Sensitive Content Control tab. This will then open a new page in the app where the Instagram user can choose between a number of preset options. Essentially, they can tap on the Limit option to limit how much sensitive content is shown or select the Limit Even More option for the strictest protection level. Of course, users can also simply leave the setting on the default Allow option if they do not want to limit sensitive content at all.
Facebook hasn't provided specific details on the type of content that will be affected by changing the setting. However, the company did explain that sensitive content is not strictly defined as posts that break the rules. Instead, Facebook points out that it is in reference to any posts that could potentially prove to be upsetting to users, including content that might be “sexually suggestive or violent.” Regardless of the exact definition or the posts that will be affected, Instagram users do now have an extra level of control they can utilize if they see fit.
Source: Facebook