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Instagram Introduces New Safety Features for Teenagers

Instagram has launched new safety features to protect teenagers on its platform. The social media company announced these changes in January 2024. The new features aim to create a safer environment for young users.
The main changes include stricter privacy settings for teenagers. When teens join Instagram, their accounts will automatically be set to private. This means only approved followers can see their posts. The platform will also send regular reminders to teens about their privacy settings.
Instagram has also introduced a new "nighttime nudges" feature. This feature will encourage teenagers to take breaks from the app late at night. If a teen spends more than 10 minutes on Instagram after 10 PM, they will receive a gentle reminder to go to sleep.
The company has also improved its content filtering system. It will now automatically hide content that might be harmful to teenagers. This includes posts about self-harm, eating disorders, and other sensitive topics.
These changes come after years of research and feedback from parents and safety experts. Instagram's parent company, Meta, says these features are part of their commitment to making social media safer for young people.

B2 Vocabulary Words:
  • launch (v): to start something new
  • privacy (n): the state of being free from public attention
  • nudge (n): a gentle push or reminder
  • filter (v): to remove unwanted content
  • sensitive (adj): needing careful handling
  • commitment (n): a promise to do something
  • harmful (adj): causing damage or injury

  • When did Instagram announce these new safety features?

  • What happens automatically when a teenager creates an Instagram account?

  • What can we infer about Instagram's previous approach to teen safety?

  • Why might Instagram have chosen 10 PM as the cutoff time for nighttime nudges?

  • What does the article suggest about the relationship between Instagram and its parent company?

  • Based on the article, what can we conclude about Instagram's approach to user privacy?

  • What does the implementation of these features suggest about social media's role in teenagers' lives?