Instagram has announced the global rollout of several new features aimed at enhancing user experience. The Meta-owned platform introduced three enhancements to its Notes function, designed to streamline posting and foster connections among friends. Additionally, a new Limit Interactions feature has been introduced, enabling users to prevent receiving messages, comments, and tags from followers who are not designated as close friends. This initiative is primarily focused on safeguarding teenagers from potential harassment and abusive behavior. Furthermore, Threads, Instagram’s companion app, now offers a TweetDeck-style view for desktop users.
Instagram Expands Notes Functionality
The Notes feature, launched in December 2022, provides users with a new method to share thoughts with friends and is accessible within the Direct Messages (DM) section. In this area, users can post brief messages and view what their friends have shared.
On Thursday, Instagram introduced three new ways to enhance user interaction with the Notes feature. The first is the Notes Prompt, which presents users with questions and thoughts when they access Notes. Users can respond to these prompts by posting their own messages. Additionally, Instagram has added a quick Likes option, allowing users to easily react to friends’ Notes by double-tapping to express approval.
Moreover, users can now mention followers in their Notes by utilizing the ‘@’ symbol followed by the username. Those mentioned will receive a notification, which they can tap to directly respond. Instagram emphasizes that these interaction methods are intended to facilitate self-expression, spark conversations, and strengthen connections among friends.
New Limit Interactions Feature Introduced
Instagram has also launched a new safety feature called Limit Interactions, aimed at shielding users from bullying and trolling incidents. This feature gives users the option to restrict DMs, post comments, and tags from specific accounts. Users can choose to set these limitations temporarily, with time frames ranging from one day up to four weeks.
Interactions can be limited to Close Friends or can specifically target recent followers and accounts that do not follow the user back. Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s Head, highlighted how this feature could assist individuals, such as a sports player who has just missed a crucial penalty kick, in avoiding negative comments or protecting teenagers from online harassment.
To activate the Limit Interactions feature, users need to navigate to Settings and activity > Limit Interactions. Here, they can choose which interactions to restrict, the duration of the limits, and specify which users will be affected.
