In an effort to foster more meaningful interactions within its app, Instagram has introduced a long-awaited feature:comments on Stories. This update is designed to encourage engagement among users while simultaneously addressing the prevalent issue of online trolling.
Previously, interacting with someone’s Story was limited to sending a private message or reacting with an emoji. Now,users have the option to leave public comments directly on Stories, creating a new dynamic for real-time engagement.
However, Instagram has implemented several measures to ensure these comments remain positive and constructive. These measures include:
- Visibility limited to followers: Comments on your Stories will only be visible to those who follow you, creating a more controlled environment.
- Mutual follows only: Only people you follow back can leave comments on your Stories, further filtering out potential negativity.
These privacy-centric restrictions are designed to discourage trolling and harassment. While Instagram has generally maintained a more positive online atmosphere than other social media platforms, these added protections aim to reinforce that trend.
In addition to these protections, Story comments, like the Stories themselves, will disappear after 24 hours. Users also have the option to disable comments entirely on a per-Story basis, offering even greater control over their experience.
While these features are promising, only time will tell how effective they are in curbing online negativity. Will the new comments section become a space for genuine engagement, or will users find ways to circumvent the restrictions?
