Safer student interactions: Instagram’s new DM control update
Instagram is one of high school students’ top apps, with 74% of high schoolers reporting they use Instagram on a weekly basis. Aside from posting photos, videos, and reels, DMs (direct messages from other people or accounts) are a huge feature for Instagram users to communicate and stay connected. And in a few weeks, Instagram will be releasing updated privacy features when it comes to DMs.
With teens turning to Instagram and Snapchat even more than text messaging, these new DM features are changing the way users can interact with one another on Instagram. Instagram DMs are often notorious for being flooded with spam messages or even inappropriate content and requests– which means this new feature will help protect students and their privacy even more.
A guide to the new Instagram update
The head of Women’s Safety at Meta, Cindy Southworth, said, “We want people to feel confident and in control when they open their inbox. That’s why we’re testing new features that mean people can’t receive images, videos, or multiple messages from someone they don’t follow until they’ve accepted the request to chat.” These new restrictions began the testing phases in June and are set to launch in a few weeks.
Currently, any user can send an unlimited amount of DM messages to someone else. If that person isn’t friends with the user sending a DM, then the message goes to the “request” section of someone’s DM.
Here’s more insight into exactly what this new DM feature means for students:
- The first new restriction limits the number of messages someone you don’t follow can send you. Instead of an unlimited number, a user who doesn’t follow you can only send one initial message. They can only send more than one message IF you accept their request to chat.
- The second new restriction changes the kind of messages someone can send. DMs can compose text, photos, and videos. To prevent unwanted photos and videos from being shared, DM requests will be limited to TEXT only.
This update will help prevent spam messages or unwanted content or requests from reaching students’ DMs. In recent years, Meta has taken steps to protect students’ safety and well-being. As an educator, when we stay in the loop when it comes to new features of our students’ top apps, we can relay these updates to our students to help them protect themselves online even more.
TSI’s Take
Educators and adults aren’t the only ones who may be worried about teen privacy online nowadays. In fact, 51% of teens are concerned for both their personal and data safety online. As role models for our students, educators have the power to share these updates with our students to help them positively navigate social media platforms like Instagram.
Here are two tips you can share with your students about how to use this new restriction for good:
- Stop, screenshot, block, and talk: If you accept messages from someone, and they end up spamming you or sending explicit content, (1) stop, (2) screenshot the offense, (3) block whoever sent it, and (4) talk to a trusted adult about what to do next.
- Block and/or restrict: While the new feature will put up guardrails on how many messages someone you don’t follow can send you, it’s possible that you might come across accounts or users that try to sway you to buy something, ask for personal information, or even send unwanted, inappropriate messages. If you are receiving message requests from someone you don’t know, restrict or block their account.
At the end of the day, social media is how our students are social, whether they send direct messages to their friends or post photos sharing their interests. The key is to educate our students on safety features they can use to their advantage while navigating their online worlds.
Looking for even more resources on how to help your students thrive online while being safe? Check out our top 5 social media safety tips to help students thrive online.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.