Instagram will ask teens to 'take a break'

Facebook's vice president of global affairs Nick Clegg has promised that Instagram will introduce a "break" feature that will encourage teens to stop using the social network for a while. Clegg didn't say when it would be ready, but the feature is clearly designed to reduce addiction and other unhealthy behaviors.

The social networking executive also said Facebook would "push back" teens from content on its apps that "may not be conducive to their well-being," whatever that means. Clegg did not provide specifics on this new approach, but suggested that Facebook's algorithms should be "kept under control", including regulation if necessary.

At the same time, this decision may not satisfy critics of the social network. Forced interruptions may reduce the impact of harmful content, but they do not eliminate it entirely. Clegg's statements also reflect a familiar Facebook strategy. The social network likes to mention regulation often, but only the kind that suits it. While the proposed changes may help, politicians may demand more - in part to keep Facebook from dictating its own rules.

Source: engadget

Illustration: Depositphotos