Instagram has been working overtime to modify likes in a way to combat the app's problem with cyberbullying. The app has experimented by hiding likes in a bunch of tests, but a more permanent move has never been enforced. Until now.
The platform is reportedly testing out a new feature that lets users decide for themselves if they want to view likes or have them hidden for both themselves and people they follow. Of course, it's not all about spreading positivity. There's a business side to the move, too. According to Facebook's researchers, hiding the number of likes may increase the number of posts users make, you know, with no pressure and all.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, explained that the app wants people to worry less about likes and focus more on connecting with people in a previous conference. "The idea is to try and depressurize Instagram, to make it less of a competition, give people more space to focus on connecting with the people they love and the things that inspire them," he said.
Are we going back to the days when Twitter was casual? All kidding aside, though: This could be a good thing for everyone who's been taking social media way too seriously.
*This story originally appeared on Esquiremag.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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