Instagram gives iPhone users the option to "limit sensitive content" with new feature

Menlo Park, California - Only introduced for iPhone owners so far, Instagram's new option to limit "sensitive content" will be useful to users who don't want to encounter any negative vibes while they use the platform.

Instagram has announced new settings that will allow iPhone users to limit posts that may contain "sensitive content" (stock image).
Instagram has announced new settings that will allow iPhone users to limit posts that may contain "sensitive content" (stock image).  © 123RF/ itchaznong

In an effort to allow users to "shape Instagram into the experience they want," the platform has introduced a new feature in settings that adjusts how much "sensitive content" a user might be exposed to.

Instagram clarified: "You can think of sensitive content as posts that don’t necessarily break our rules, but could potentially be upsetting to some people — such as posts that may be sexually suggestive or violent."

9To5Mac reported that the ability to either "Allow," "Limit," or "Limit Even More" sensitive content will help people feel safer as they browse The 'Gram.

The Facebook-owned platform will still remove content and posts that are in direct violation of their rules, and has made efforts to fight harassment, such as filtering Direct Messages that are deemed aggressive.

However, the ability to fully "Allow" sensitive content is actually limited to users registered as 18 and older.

It's not clear if the new rollout means posts marked as "sensitive" will not appear on a user's feed at all, or if they will appear with a blurred warning overlayed first.

Given that no system is able to perfectly process what each user would consider sensitive based on images and context alone, it makes sense that Instagram cannot offer the option to completely turn-off sensitive content altogether.

Perhaps the new personal, tailored approach will be just what the platform needs.

Cover photo: 123RF/ itchaznong

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