Editor | Svilena Iotkovska

Instagram is holding test runs and hiding the number of likes in several countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand in order to improve users’ mental health.

While users will still be able to view who has liked their posts, Instagram will no longer state the number of likes.  

This action has been brought about by the negative effects that the number of likes can have on users, more specifically, teenagers. A low number of likes can result in low self-esteem which can, consequently, have a detrimental effect on mental health. Instagram hopes to create a safe environment where people can post pictures without worrying about likes or competing with other users.

Furthermore, Instagram is also running another trial feature which aims to tackle cyber bullying. According to BBC, when a user tries to post a hurtful comment on a post, they will immediately receive a notice saying: ‘Are you sure you want to post this? Learn more.’

The trial of this feature has thus far been successful and has encouraged people to delete their comments.

“We can do more to prevent bullying from happening on Instagram, and we can do more to empower the targets of bullying to stand up for themselves.”

Adam Mosseri, Instagram Chief Executive