Instagram has unveiled an innovative on by default feature geared towards enhancing user protection from unwanted images and videos in Direct Messages (DMs). This proactive move by Instagram will help to creating a safer online environment for its vast user base, with a particular focus on shielding young users and vulnerable individuals from potentially harmful content.
The latest addition to Instagram’s safety toolbox empowers users with increased control over the messages they receive, particularly from individuals who do not follow them. Previously, users could be inundated with unwanted messages containing images, videos, or voice notes from people they had not accepted as followers. The new feature addresses this issue by imposing two essential restrictions on DM requests from non-followers.
1/ Singular Message Limitation
To prevent an influx of unsolicited messages, Instagram has implemented a policy where users can now send only one initial DM request to someone who doesn’t follow them. Once the recipient accepts the request to chat, subsequent messages can be exchanged. This restriction helps users avoid being overwhelmed with multiple unwanted messages.
2/ Text-Only DM Invitations
Additionally, the revamped DM system has limited DM invites from non-followers to text-only communication. This means that users can now only send text-based messages until the recipient accepts their request to engage in a conversation. The exclusion of images, videos, or voice notes in initial DM invites serves as an effective deterrent against the distribution of inappropriate content such as pornography. By implementing these protective measures, Instagram aims to curtail the prevalence of unsolicited and offensive content.
Combined with the above noted new addition, Instagram users can also use the “Limits” feature. The “Limits” feature mitigates sudden surges in undesirable comments or DM requests, offering an additional layer of security.
1/ Go to the profile tab and tap the menu icon on the top right.
2/ Tap Settings and Privacy.
3/ Select Limited interactions tap continue. The first time you set up Limits, you’ll see a message letting you know the intent of the feature. Tap Continue
4/ You can then use the toggles to limit accounts that aren’t following you and/or recent followers.
5/ Those accounts that aren’t following you could be spam or fake accounts, while recent followers are those who started following you in the past week.
6/ Next, select Limit for in the bottom section. This reminder alerts you after the time limit you choose in case you want to turn off or edit the Limits.
7/ You can pick from one to seven days or one to four weeks. Select Set reminder.
8/ Finally, tap Turn on at the bottom to put the Limits feature to work.
You’ll see a brief message that you’ve turned on Limits. Tap the arrow on the top left to exit, you’ll see On next to Limits in the Privacy settings.
View Limited Comments
1/ Select View All Comments for the post and then See Limited Comments on the top right.
2/ On Android, tap and hold a comment. On iPhone, tap Manage and select a comment.
3/ You can then choose Approve, Delete, or Block and follow the subsequent prompts to confirm the action.
View Limited Messages
1/ Tap the Message icon on the top right of your Feed.
2/ Select Requests and then Hidden Requests on the top right.
3/ Tap and hold a message and then choose Block, Delete, or Accept and follow the subsequent prompts.
Alternatively, you can remove all hidden requests by selecting Delete all at the bottom of the screen.
By setting limits, you can keep abusive comments a
Other Practical Approaches to Handling Unwanted Contacts
Beyond the new DM feature, Instagram equips users with other tools to help manage and mitigate unwelcome interactions such as:
- The “Restrict” settings option which empowers users to conceal an account’s comments and direct messages both from themselves and other users. Notifications related to comments made by the restricted person on your posts or messages sent by them will no longer reach you, maintaining a more peaceful online experience. Furthermore, this setting ensures that certain aspects of your activity, such as your online status, remain hidden from the restricted account. To access comments made by a restricted user, you can tap the “See Comment” option, presenting you with a trio of choices: “Approve,” which allows the comment to be visible to others; “Delete,” enabling you to remove or disregard the comment; or “Ignore.” Additionally, the “Message Request” tab facilitates the viewing of messages from a restricted user. This multifaceted feature furnishes users with enhanced control over their interactions, promoting a harmonious digital environment.
How to restrict accounts through the comments section
1/ Launch the Instagram app and open the post with unwanted comments.
2/ Look for the specific user you want to restrict.
3/ Tap on the comment and swipe to the left to reveal the menu. For Android app users, simply tap and hold the comment.
4/ Tap the exclamation icon and select ‘Restrict (Username).’Take note that you can use the same steps to un-restrict the user.
How to restrict accounts through messages
1/ On the Instagram app, go to the direct messages section by tapping the messenger icon in the top-right corner of your Feed.
2/ Open the chat with the user you want to restrict.
3/ On the conversation page, tap the name of the user at the top of the page.
4/ Tap ‘Options’in the top menu and select ‘Restrict.’For Android users, just scroll to the bottom, click ‘Restrict,’then select ‘Restrict account.’
How to restrict accounts through their profile
1/ Load up the Instagram app and head to the profile of the user you want to restrict.
2/ Tap the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner.
3/ Tap the ‘Restrict’button to restrict the opened user account.
How to restrict accounts through the settings page
1/ On the Instagram app, go to your profile page and tap the settings icon (three horizontal lines).
2/ Tap ‘Settings’and Privacy.’
3/ Tap ‘Restricted accounts.’If this is your first-time restricting users, tap ‘Continue’after reading the restrict feature overview.
4/ Use the search bar to look for the user accounts you want to restrict. Once you find them just tap the blue ‘Restrict’button next to the correct user. If you wish to un-restrict users, the easiest way is to head back to the ‘Restricted accounts’page. There, you’ll find a list of all restricted accounts. Just tap ‘Unrestrict’next to the user you want to give another chance.
The “Hidden Words” setting, automatically redirects DM requests containing offensive language to a secluded folder, shielding users from potentially distressing content.
1/ Open the Instagram app on any Android or iOS device.
2/ Visit your profile by tapping on your profile picture. It will be available on the bottom right.
3/ Tap on the three-horizontal line menu button available at the top right.
4/ Go to Settings tab.
5/ Choose the Settings and Privacy option.
6/ Tap on the Hidden Words option.
7/ Under the Offensive words and phrases tab, turn the toggle on for Hide comments, Advanced comment filtering, and Hide message requests options.
Users can also add the words, numbers, emojis and phrases in the Hidden Words list that they do not want to see in comments or message requests.
Words list:
1/ Open the Instagram app.
2/ Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right.
3/ Tap on the three-horizontal line menu available at the top right of the screen.
4/ Proceed to the Settings and Privacy tab.
5/ Tap on Hidden Words tab.
6/ Under the custom words and phrases tab, tap on the Manage custom words and phrases button.
7/ Enter specific words, phrases, numbers or emojis you do not want to see in the text box.
8/ Turn the toggle on for Hidden comments and Hide message requests to turn your custom word list on for comments and message requests respectively.
Naturally, you also have the option to block someone, effectively preventing them from sending you any further messages. By blocking a user, you gain the choice to extend the block to any other accounts they currently possess or might create in the future. This proactive measure serves as an additional layer of self-protection, granting you greater peace of mind.
Blocking A Person From Their Profile:
1/ Click their username from their post in your feed or story post, or click 
2/ Click 
Blocking From A Chat With Another Person
1/ Click 
2/ Click the chat with the person you want to block/unblock, then click 
3/ Click Block/Unblock, then click again to confirm.
Instagram’s introduction of these new features represents a positive move toward cultivating a safer, more welcoming online experience on their platform. By empowering users to manage their interactions and curbing the spread of unwanted content, the platform is finally taking a stance in fostering a community that is founded on respect, security, and user confidence. This move by Instagram sets a promising precedent for other social media platforms, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding users’ well-being in the digital age.
Here’s a GREAT video overview of Instagram
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