Instagram’s New ‘Limits’ and ‘Restrict’ Features Provide Teenagers with More Control Over Their Online Interactions

Instagram has recently expanded its ‘Limits’ tool to teenagers, allowing them to restrict interactions to a group of close friends. This feature was introduced in 2021 and is designed to protect users from harassment and combat hate speech and racism by limiting unwanted interactions. With ‘Limits’, users can choose from different levels of restriction, such as limiting interactions to close friends or accounts that don’t follow you. This setting can be modified, and users can set a notice to remove the limitation.

In addition to the ‘Limits’ tool, Instagram has also introduced a feature called ‘Restrict’. With this feature, users can limit specific accounts from interacting with them. Options include blocking or reporting the account. The restricted accounts will not be able to see if the user is online or view their messages. If they try to tag the user, a message will appear indicating that this action is not allowed. Any new comments from the restricted accounts will only be visible to them and the user, hiding them from others.

These features aim to provide users with more control over their online interactions and protect them from unwanted or harmful content, especially for teenagers who may be more vulnerable online. The tools are designed to make it easier for young users to navigate social media in a safer way while still being able to connect with their friends and followers.