It’s arguably the largest social media platform that’s having an increasing impact on our mental health, but Instagram is upping its policing when it comes to banning inappropriate content.
The social media app has now enforced a ban on posts including suicidal and self harm content including, but not limited to drawing, memes, content from films and TV shows and even comics.
“We aim to strike the difficult balance between allowing people to share their mental health experiences while also protecting others from being exposed to potentially harmful content,” says Adam Mosseri, the new head of Instagram.
Mosseri stating that they had removed or reduced the visibility of more than 834,000 pieces of content.
They’re implementing the content ban after collaborative talks with various charities to help create solutions to the damaging content that makes and allows online.
“Based on expert advice from academics and mental health organisations like the Samaritans in the UK and National Suicide Prevention Line in the US, we aim to strike the difficult balance between allowing people to share their mental health experiences while also protecting others from being exposed to potentially harmful content,” he said.
“We will continue working to keep everyone safe on Instagram, while at the same time making it possible for people to access support that can make a difference when they need it the most.”
With recent developments at the brand including unattainable and misleading diet products being banned, as well as eradicating plastic surgery filters from the platform, there are attempts being made to dilute this image of perfection from Instagram, and Mosseri’s efforts to include input from mental health charities is a step in the right direction.
If you or anyone you know has experienced suicidal thoughts, call Samaritans on 116 123, or if you’re in immediate danger, call 999.