#TechBytes: Steps to block strangers from messaging you on Instagram
Launched in 2010, Instagram is one of the world's most popular social media platforms. Since its inception, Instagram has introduced numerous changes to ensure users are safe from harassment and other potential problems. One of the most useful features it offers is the ability to block strangers from messaging users on its platform. Let's take a look at how to use this feature.
Users had to deal with unknown message requests
The message-blocking feature on Instagram was introduced a few years ago to keep unknown parties from sending messages to other users. This issue has existed for a long while, as potential stalkers often send explicit or demeaning messages or react to stories to harass users. Their messages usually show up in the message request section (depending on user settings) of the Instagram app.
Feature to prevent potential harassment via DMs
While users often ignore message requests, opening the section occasionally and seeing an abusive or harassing comment can be traumatizing. This is where the aforementioned feature comes in; it tackles this issue by only allowing people you follow to send direct messages. Others are blocked from sending any message, be it a friendly message on your story or a harassing comment.
It also protects users from unwanted group message threads
"People who enable this setting will no longer receive messages, group message requests, or story replies from anyone they have not chosen to follow," Instagram had said while explaining the advantage of the feature.
How can you use this feature?
The feature works with the message control option that appears in the settings of the Instagram app. To access it, head over to Settings and Privacy > Messages and Story replies > Message requests. Here, you can choose if Message Requests from users you don't know should be sent to your Chats or Messages Requests folder or whether to receive message requests at all.
