Instagram is hiding the number of likes on a post in seven countries to see if removes pressure of users. The trial has now begun in Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand.
Instagram said in a statement to users: “We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.
“You can still see your own likes by tapping on the list of people who’ve liked it, but your friends will not be able to see how many likes your post has received.
“We’re looking forward to learning more about how this change might benefit everyone’s experience on Instagram.”
Users will only be able to see a user’s name “and others” on posts. Users will be able to see how many likes their own posts got but no one else can.
Mia Garlick, Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy, said in a statement: “We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love,”
We’re currently running a test that hides the total number of likes and video views for some people in the following countries:
✅ Australia
✅ Brazil
✅ Canada
✅ Ireland
✅ Italy
✅ Japan
✅ New Zealand pic.twitter.com/2OdzpIUBka— Instagram (@instagram) July 17, 2019
There is a concern about how social media platforms can contribute to low self-esteem in young people. A decision will be made at after the trial is completed on whether or not the update will be made permanent. The goal of removing likes is to make users feel less judged and for the platform to be less focused on likes. The number of likes a post is seen as how successful or popular a user is on Instagram which is not what it is about.
Earlier this month, Instagram decided to tackle bullying on the app. There is now a new feature that does this, if someone typed “you are so ugly and stupid”. They would then get a notice saying: “Are you sure you want to post this? Learn more”.
By clicking “Learn more” the user would be told to rethink their comments. Trails of the feature have seemed to work and people have undone hurtful comments.
