Facebook plans to implement additional measures to make its platforms safer for youngsters and face mounting pressure over its impact on young users’ mental health
One of these is Instagram’s new “Take a Break” feature, which “nudges” teens away from potentially harmful content if they look at it too often.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Instagram features.
What is the “Take a Break” Feature That Is Being Considered?
Facebook says it will develop a Take a Break feature to help ensure that young Instagram users don’t spend too much time on the platform. Teens will be encouraged to take a break from using the app as a result of this feature.
In an interview with CNN, Facebook VP of Global Affairs and Communications Nick Clegg explained the feature:
We’re introducing a new feature called ‘Take a Break,’ in which we’ll encourage teens to take a break from Instagram.
Facebook has not only been criticized for its ambitions to release a children’s version of its Instagram app but it is also being investigated by US lawmakers for its influence on the mental health of its young users.
This feature may be able to address certain issues.
Advice Teens to Stay Away From Harmful Content
In addition to prompting kids to take a break, Facebook will steer them away from potentially harmful information. When Facebook’s systems detect that a young user is continually watching or engaging with potentially hazardous content, the social media giant will intervene to “nudge” the youngster away from it and redirect their attention to something else.
Clegg explained it this way:
We’re going to add something that I believe will make a big difference: if our systems notice that the teenager is looking at the same content over and over again, and it’s content that may not be good for them, we’ll nudge them to look at new content.
Why is Facebook Adding These Features?
Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen appeared on CBS News’ 60 Minutes in October 2021, saying that Facebook’s Instagram app is harming teens.
Haugen is the source of the explosive Wall Street Journal exposé known as The Facebook Files.
Facebook’s actions appear to be an attempt to calm the public relations storm that has erupted as a result of the files and Haugen’s interview.
Is Facebook Protecting Children Who Use Its Platforms Enough?
While Facebook is taking steps to address the alleged harm it causes children on its platforms, these new measures fall short of making a significant difference.
If Facebook truly wants to make a difference in terms of protecting children on its platforms, it must reconsider whether children should even be permitted to use Instagram.
Facebook should also focus on improving its algorithms to ensure that children are not exposed to potentially harmful content.
For example, if Facebook is aware of the types of content that may be detrimental to children, it should seek to prevent that content from being shown to them in the first place, rather than intervening after it has been viewed several times.
