This past week Instagram came out with a new feature centering around reporting photos and the first to post about it was Tech Crunch. Instagram has teamed up with the National Eating Disorder Association, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and 40 other health-related organizations to help make sure that there users get the support that they need. "We have teams working around the world, 24/7, who review these reports," Instagram spokeswoman Marni Tomljanovic told The Wall Street Journal. It is one thing to know about terrible things that go on social media but it's another thing to do something about it and thats exactly Instagram is doing. This new feature lets you flag photos for "Self Injury." This would include photos with either captions or actual photos revolving around things like, eating disorders, self harm, and suicide.
OK, so once you report the photo then what happens? Its not only reviewed to be taken off of Instagram but also Instagram contacts the individual posting it. Once the photo has been flagged, a support message will be sent to the individual reading “Someone saw one of your posts and thinks you might be going through a difficult time. If you need support, we’d like to help.” Next it will prompt the individual with a couple of different options. One option says "Contact a Friend," then continues with "Message or call someone that you trust." The next option available says "Contact a help line," following that prompt reads "They can listen and help you work through this." Lastly Instagram prompts the individual with "Get help and support," additionally adding a brief description reading "See suggestions on ways to support yourself." Not only does the new feature message individuals with posts about Self Injury but will also send support messages to individuals searching Instagram for certain self harm hashtags.
Instagram is not only a 50 billion dollar social media platform but actually cares about its users. Ever since social media came out there has always been problems with bullying, self harm sharing and other negative phenomenons but having these new features at our fingertips can really make a difference. Who knew that a social media platform like Instagram could actually save peoples lives?
