'Are you sure?' Instagram set to crack down on bullies

Instagram is trying to make sure you think before you comment.

The social media giant is rolling out new safety features aimed at identifying negative comments, and asking users if they're sure they want to post them.

A warning message will display whenever someone tries to post a comment that may be considered abusive.

For example, if someone tries to type "you are so ugly and stupid", they'll be interrupted with a notice saying: "Are you sure you want to post this? Learn more".

'Are you sure?' Instagram set to crack down on bullies
Photo credit: Instagram.

If the user decides to "learn more", a notice informs: "We are asking people to rethink comments that seem similar to others that have been reported."

According to the BBC, the app has been under pressure to deal with its bullying problem after high profile cases, including the suicide of British teenager Molly Russell.

In a blog post, CEO Adam Mosseri said Instagram "could do more" on the issue.

"We can do more to prevent bullying from happening on Instagram, and we can do more to empower the targets of bullying to stand up for themselves," Mosseri wrote.

"These tools are grounded in a deep understanding of how people bully each other and how they respond to bullying on Instagram, but they're only two steps on a longer path."

Mosseri says in early stages the AI-driven feature has been effective.

Instagram users will now also have a "restrict" function, which limits another user's interactions with their account. If someone restricts you, you will be able to comment, but only you can see it until the user approves the comment.

Sounds like a pretty good initiative to us.

George/Newshub.