Instagram Censoring Content

Social media is an interesting networking tool, being able to voice your opinions directly to the person in question. If you have a large following, it is possible that you get negative comments every so often. Instagram launched a new feature that allows you to hide negativity on your feed called “Comment Moderation.” The purpose is to keep Instagram a safe place where you can choose what you and your audience are exposed to. Attempts to filter words have been questionable in the past. Creating new words to replace the banned words is common, and this new update will have the same result.

The goal is clear, the creators Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger want a platform for self expression free from hate and harassment. Instagram’s user base has grown into a large and diverse outlet where managing language and content is becoming more challenging. The new tool was created to lessen the negativity for the user, while the person posting will still be able to see the comment, giving them the satisfaction of ranting without causing the damage. The change will not be easily noticeable by the commenter and virtually invisible for the user.

Using this feature is simple. Click the gear icon in your profile and you will see a new section called “Comments.” You can then choose to hide comments that are deemed inappropriate with an option to plug in words of your own.

There are no plans to reveal the list of default words that have been censored. This has been done on purpose to discourage the creation of new words to get around the feature. Will this be successful? Probably not. The Internet is infamous for voicing their opinions, especially when told not to. When a filter is put in place to prevent behavior, users will find loopholes and sometimes, the behavior intensifies. In the past, Instagram banned tags related pro-eating disorders such as “thinspiration”, but new variations like “thynspiration” are gaining popularity to replace it. The sad truth is the same will happen with the new feature enforced. Now that it is public, it is only a matter of time before Instagram is covered with misspelled criticism.

The beauty of “Content Moderation” right now is that it is not on by default. Users have the option to turn it on and test it out for themselves, and if they dislike it, can turn it off. Many communicate as friends, and sometimes use colorful language, which is different from receiving criticism from strangers. The decision to keep it optional will make the transition easier, especially for users with personal accounts.

Advancing towards peace on the Internet is difficult, especially on a creative platform. Instagram is a great place to feature your vision and be an outlet for creativity, but the positives also come with instances of negativity and hatred. Censorship is meant to mitigate the situation, but restrictions might not always work the way it is intended. Free speech is a beautiful thing, and people will try their hardest to keep it.