Instagram Hopes Pop-Up Nudges Will Deter Angry Users From Posting Nasty Comments

The new functions and updates will help quell the sweat-inducing sense of impending dread some users experience when opening their comments and messages

Some users will be presented with gentle "nudges" when they reply to a comment that may be offensive. The app tries to warn you against being a jerk. An example image shows a pop-up with a bold message. The smaller text says that you can set the tone by being respectful. Users directly messaging creators on the platform will be given similar nudgings.

It helps people remember that there is a real person on the other side of their request, and encourages more respectful outreach to people they don't know.

Even though it is a nice gesture, the assholes will still click through and send their comments anyways. The other features come into play there.

An upgrade to blocking, which has become an indispensable tool for social media users, is on the way. The improved feature will give the user the option to block accounts that they don't want to open. New burner accounts should be created to combat the problem of stalkers. Four million fewer accounts could be manually blocked each week.

New protections are being added to the Hidden Words feature. Users used to be able to automatically remove certain words from their comments and messages so they didn't have to look at them. Hidden words are being used to cover stories replies. The company says it has improved its filters so it is better at catching words that are meant to offend. Better equipment should be used to detect scam and junk mail.