Spam is the unsolicited sending of often commercial messages by strangers. It has become one of the most annoying issues plaguing Instagram and social media platforms in recent years. Many users have experienced the frustration of opening their ‘requests’ section only to find strange messages or suspicious links from clearly fake accounts. Instagram has taken steps to address this problem, and one of the latest measures is aimed at limiting this phenomenon.
Limiting Interactions with Unfollowed Users
After testing the feature in June, Instagram has now introduced a new feature that “limits” the ability to interact with users you do not follow during live sessions. Before you can start chatting with them, you will need to accept a request from the non-followed account. This request will contain only text, preventing the reception of photos, videos, or voice messages. This change is a significant step in curbing spam and enhancing user safety.
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No Previous Limit on Message Requests
Previously, Instagram had no restrictions on the number of message requests a user could send. This loophole allowed spammers to inundate users with unwanted messages, making it challenging to maintain a spam-free inbox.
Accessing Incoming Requests
To view incoming requests, users can navigate to the relevant page, accessible through the “Requests” button in the Instagram message section, located above the inbox. It’s important to note that you will only receive an invitation to chat from a user if this option is enabled in your privacy settings.
Prioritizing User Safety
Cindy Southworth, Metadata Manager for Women’s Safety at Meta, the parent company of Instagram, stated, “We want people to feel safe and in control when they open their mailbox, which is why we are testing new features that prevent people from receiving images, videos, or messages from someone they do not follow until they have accepted the chat request.” This statement underscores Instagram’s commitment to enhancing user safety and reducing unwanted interactions on the platform.
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Conclusion
Instagram’s new feature that limits interactions with non-followed users during live sessions is a positive step toward combatting spam and making the platform a safer place for its users. By requiring users to accept chat requests before engaging in conversations, Instagram aims to reduce the influx of unsolicited messages, providing users with more control over their inboxes. It’s essential for users to stay informed about these changes and adjust their privacy settings accordingly to maximize their safety and enjoyment while using the platform.
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