Here's why Instagram is hiding likes on photos, videos
Photo-sharing giant Instagram has started hiding like count on photos and videos shared by users in select countries. The feature was initially being tested in Canada, but now, the Facebook-owned company has expanded the project to other parts of the world, making it impossible for users to see how many likes their peers/friends are getting. Here's why the company is executing this weird move.
Like count can lead to low self-esteem in youngsters
Over the years, social media experts have raised concerns over the problem of low self-esteem and feeling of inadequacy mushrooming in youngsters from platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. People see how many likes their friends and colleagues are getting on their pictures and feel demotivated, sometimes even depressed, for failing to stand out.
Instagram wants to reduce this 'pressure' now
In order to reduce this 'pressure', Instagram has started hiding the number of likes photos/videos get. This, the company says, will bring the users' focus back on the content, rather than the attention it is getting. It's also worth noting that the feature would only hide like count for others viewing your photo; you can still see how many people have liked your photo.
Here's what Instagram said about the feature
"We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get," Instagram explained, adding that "you can still see your own likes by tapping on the list of people who've liked it."
Feature not active, but Instagram users are not happy
Notably, Instagram started hiding likes for users in Canada and has now expanded the feature to those in Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Italy, Japan, and New Zealand. There is no word on its global roll out, but users have already started expressing discontent over the capability. They say the company should provide an option to hide likes, not enforce the feature.
