Instagram Has Started Testing Hiding Likes “To Remove Pressure”
CNN reports that Facebook-owned Instagram is one step closer to removing the “Likes.” I know, what is even the point then? Sharing images and video? What about the element of popularity??? What will the Kardashians do!? Actually if Instagram did ruin the Kardashian/Jenner career path I would be so fucking excited about it–but they won’t. Nothing that evil falls so easily.
CNN says that Instagram’s testing of removing the visibility of Likes in Canada will now be expanded to other areas. They’re looking to expand the hiding of Like-numbers to other countries including: Ireland, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. Not the United States yet, I guess for you guys it would be the biggest culture shock due to the sheer number of fitness Instagram accounts selling Tummy Tea to women and protein pills to men, and both to gays.
Back in May, they started hiding Likes in an effort to reduce the “pressure” to get them since it’s usually a measure of popularity. And speaking as someone who worked in marketing, Likes are also a measure of what you can get paid to advertise shit. So buckle up for the influencers who start complaining about this.
The test removes the total number of likes from posts, but still lets the person who owns the account see their own numbers. So don’t worry, influencers, you can just send screenshots of your numbers to the marketing people in order to get paid.
An Instagram spokesperson said this:
“We are testing this because we want your followers to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.”
Apparently this is being done to help with people’s self-esteem? But apparently the Likes have not much to do with it. Renee Engeln, a psychology professor at Northwestern University said:
“The biggest impact of Instagram is the content. The exposure to this constant stream of perfected images is what seems to hurt psychologically.”
So it’s the pictures of all the hot beautiful rich people which hurts us mentally and emotionally, not how many people Like the picture. Problem solved! …Oh wait–that’s worse.
This is obviously part of some greater anti-bullying, be nice to each other bullshit that companies come out with every few months in order to get social justice points and promotion. Earlier this month, Instagram revealed a new tool which uses AI to tell people when a comment could be considered offensive before they post it. Which is absolutely going to stop bigoted harassment, because the only thing stopping a psycho from commenting: “I hope you fucking die you faggot Muslim terrorist,” is a computer letting them know that it’s mean.
And they also released a “Restrict” mode. When restricting another user, the comments on your posts from that person are still visible but only to them. They also won’t be able to see if you’re active on Instagram, or if you’ve read direct messages. Which is like, why not just block them? You needed to add a Half-Block feature? Wow, Facebook must really be trying to get some good publicity after they inadvertently helped Russia meddle in the American elections. I’m sure this will make up for stirring up all the disastrous political chaos: now your Likes are hidden! Putin-friendly-trolls can’t get to you on Restricted mode! Yay!
Pic: Instagram