NS Instagram It is testing a new feature that displays reminders to users when they spend a significant amount of time in the app.
The feature, called “Take a Break,” allows users to sign up to receive prompts to stop using the photo-sharing app. Notifications can appear every 10, 20 or 30 minutes.
Take a Break was launched as part of a test run for a small portion of Instagram users, but all accounts will be able to use it “in a month or two”.
If fully implemented after user feedback, Take a Break can help get rid of “Instagram addiction”. This problem has been linked to adverse mental health effects.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, described taking a break in a video posted to his Twitter account.
“What we started testing this week on Instagram is something I am very excited about personally,” he says in the video.
“It’s called Take a Break and it does what you think it does. If you agree, it encourages you to take a break from Instagram after spending some time on the app. 10, 20, 30 minutes.”
“You’ll see if you’re going to take the test in the next few days. If you don’t, we hope you can in a month or two, once we get to a place where we feel comfortable enough to post to everyone on Instagram. So stay tuned.”
How it works?
Take a Break appears as a command prompt displayed in the users feed.
The command says: Do you want a break? Regular breaks can help you rest. You can now turn on reminders to take breaks when it suits you.
Users have the opportunity to click on ‘Activate’ or ‘Not Now’. If they choose “On,” they can choose to receive reminders to take a 10, 20, or 30-minute break.
Then Instagram gives users helpful suggestions on what they can do instead of using Instagram.
These suggestions include “Take a few deep breaths,” “Listen to your favorite music,” and “Do something from your daily to-do list.”
critics
Instagram, which is owned by social media giant Meta (formerly Facebook), has recently faced a lot of criticism about how it tempts users to spend a lot of time on its apps.
The app’s algorithms can determine what type of content users engage in more and then expand on that specific type of content to keep them locked out.
Last month, Frances Hogan said “Instagram will never be safe for 14-year-olds” after research for the tech giant suggested children were becoming addicted to the apps.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.