New Instagram tool allows users to further limit sensitive content

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Instagram launched a new tool called “Sensitive Content Control” to allow its users more control over the content that appears on the app’s Explore page.
• Users can choose to keep the default setting, which limits posts that violate the platform’s content moderation policy.
• Users can also further dial it down by limiting specific content that they might take offense to but don’t necessarily violate the app’s content policy.

Instagram users can now easily control the amount of sensitive content they see when browsing through the app’s Explore page, where posts from users’ unfollowed accounts appear.

The new tool called “Sensitive Content Control” was launched by the social media platform on Tuesday. It allows users to decrease the amount of potentially upsetting or offensive content that appears in Explore.

The platform previously relied on its content moderation policy, which bans problematic content such as hate speech and harassment.

The new tool allows users to keep the default setting or further dial it down. Users can limit specific content that they might take offense to, such as posts of a sexual or violent nature, but don’t necessarily violate the app’s content policy.

Facebook, Instagram’s parent company, explained, “We recognize that everybody has different preferences for what they want to see in Explore, and this control will give people more choice over what they see.”

Several concerns have previously been raised about social media platforms’ content moderation and its effect on the well-being of users.

Facebook and Instagram have both introduced new tweaks and features to address these issues. Facebook is currently addressing the spread of misinformation about the pandemic and the vaccine, as well as other types of problematic content. Meanwhile, Instagram has launched an option to hide likes and restrict interactions with certain followers.

The new Instagram feature can be found in the Settings menu on users’ profiles. Simply go to “Account” and then to “Sensitive Content Control.”

Source: CNN