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How is Instagram fighting Cyberbullying?

 

Hello everyone! Following our discussions on cyberbullying and its consequences in class, I started thinking about the role social media platforms play in addressing that issue. Thus, I researched about what Instagram does against cyberbullying.

Instagram uses different features and tools in order to protect its users from bullying.  For instance, when someone types a potentially mean comment, the user gets notified and is reminded of the guidelines and possible consequences. In addition to that, Instagram users can report other people, leading to the team evaluating the case and taking action when needed. The reported users do not get notified about who reported them, which in my opinion decreases the risk of worsening the situation for the victims. Furthermore, Instagram has included the tools of blocking and restricting other users. Moreover, Instagram has developed a list of inappropriate words, which are filtered out of comments or messages. The user also has the possibility of adding words to that list.

As you can see, Instagram has already implemented some actions against bullying. Nevertheless, the question arises whether Instagram is doing enough or if they should develop stricter guidelines. From my point of view, it is Instagram’s responsibility to do everything in their power to prevent bullying on their platform. I do think that features such as blocking can help decrease bullying. However, it is dangerous that blocked users, can easily create new accounts and use them to spread even more harm. Especially the anonymity makes it difficult to control.

What do you think about this topic? Do you have ideas on how to make Instagram a safer environment, which is free from bullying?

Source: https://about.instagram.com/community/anti-bullying 

Lara Düngfelder

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Comments

  1. AinaApril 25, 2025 at 8:25 AM

    Hi Lara! I think it’s good that Instagram has tools to identify cyberbullying, and I agree with you that the platform itself is responsible for controlling online harassment.
    From my point of view, social media is very dangerous when it comes to bullying. As you said, anonymity makes it harder to control and gives people the freedom to insult and harass others. As they often say, we are braver behind a screen. That’s why one idea to make Instagram a safer environment is that profiles should have to be verified. It would be important to consider how this might affect users’ privacy, but I think accounts could be linked to an ID or some kind of document that proves who is using the account.
    This way, if there’s any cyberbullying, action can be taken directly. Also, I believe this would reduce harassment on Instagram simply because the accounts wouldn’t be anonymous.
    - Aina Llastarry Pons

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