Instagram to trial hiding likes for the sake of users' self-esteem

The aim is to make the photo-sharing platform a 'less pressurised environment'

In a bid to shift focus on to content, not likes or views, Instagram is trailing a hidden likes system. Bloomberg

May 01, 2019

In an attempt to shift focus back on to content and not the number of likes it generates, Instagram is going to trial hiding the like count from photos and view count from videos, it has announced.

In the test, users that post content will still be able to see the response to their photos and videos, but the information will not be made available to the public.

This is all for the self-esteem of users, according to the Facebook-owned app.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri has said the change is "about creating a less pressurised environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves".

The first wave of trials will begin in Canada this week, and could eventually go global.

"We are testing this because we want your followers to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get," a spokesperson for the app added.

Instagram is testing hiding like count from audiences,

as stated in the app: "We want your followers to focus on what you share, not how many likes your posts get" pic.twitter.com/MN7woHowVN
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 18, 2019

The news was announced at Facebook's annual software developer conference on April 30.

"We want people to worry a little bit less about how many likes they're getting on Instagram and spend a bit more time connecting with the people that they care about," Mosseri said.

Social media's affect on mental health

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduces the new Oculus Quest as he delivers the opening keynote at the Facebook F8 Conference at McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California on April 30, 2019. Got a crush on another Facebook user? The social network will help you connect, as part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday that aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for small groups of friends. / AFP / Amy Osborne

'The future is private': Mark Zuckerberg rolls out new features across Facebook Inc

'I spy with my little eye': CIA joins Instagram and invites the public to crack a case

'Before I Let Go': Beyonce starts new viral dance challenge

The effects of living for likes has been studied at length, particularly the link between time spent on Instagram and body image.

According to a 2019 study by the University of Pittsburgh, "those who had spent more time on social media had 2.2 times the risk of reporting eating and body image concerns, compared to their peers who spent less time on social media".

"The participants who spent the most time on social media had 2.6 times the risk," the study added.

A second study from the university's School of Medicine stated: "That the more time young adults spent on social media, the more likely they were to have problems sleeping and report symptoms of depression."