Instagram has introduced several measures to better protect its younger users, including how direct messages are received from adults. Direct messages -- also known as DMs -- allow users on the social media platform to chat with each other privately. While they can be a great communication tool, DMs can also be an avenue for potentially suspicious or dangerous behavior from strangers online.

Many social media apps allow users to message each other directly, including Facebook and Twitter. Just last year, Twitter also worked to improve DMs by offering users that have received a DM to view the other profile with a quick click. Direct messaging is just one of the features Instagram offers its users, with some other notable ones being Reels and the Shopping tab. Other changes may also be on the way, such as the possible removal of like counts to foster a more creative and worry-free environment. In addition, Instagram is apparently testing out its own audio rooms service, similar to Clubhouse.

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In a blog post, Instagram revealed that it is working to keep teenagers safe by restricting DMs between teens and adults they aren’t already following. If an adult tries to DM a teenager who isn’t following them, the adult receives a notification letting them know that isn’t possible. Instagram will also start sending out safety notices to teens who interact with potentially dangerous adults in DMs. For example, if an adult is sending an unusual amount of messages to users under eighteens, Instagram will alert the recipient. Furthermore, Instagram will work to make it harder for adults to even follow teenagers in the first place, by preventing them from seeing teenager accounts in Suggested Users.

Other Important Instagram Improvements

Instagram DM prompts

Instagram has also collaborated with the Child Mind Institute and ConnectSafely to put out a new guide for parents. The guide includes helpful conversation starters so that parents can talk with their children about staying safe online, and also offers the latest in privacy settings. On top of which, Instagram is working on a new AI feature geared towards making sure younger users are honest about how old they are - the minimum age to sign up for an Instagram account is thirteen. Instagram will also start encouraging teens to make their accounts private through an additional step during the sign up process. Basically, when a younger user makes an Instagram account, they’ll be given the option of choosing between public and private.

While Instagram offers people many fun ways to interact with each other, like Instagram Live, it’s also important that users stay safe, especially when they are so young. From online bullying to inappropriate interactions with adults, it’s all too easy for teenage Instagram users to encounter serious issues when using social media services. Still, with these security measures put in place, hopefully the Instagram app will become a safer place for its younger users to express themselves.

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Source: Instagram