Thursday saw the debut of a brand-new function called “Quiet Mode” on Meta’s Instagram as part of an effort to expand the selection of time management options available. This feature aims to allay users’ worries about taking a vacation from the service by turning off incoming alerts, auto-replying to direct messages, and setting your status to “In Quiet Mode” to let friends know you’re not using the app right now. To ensure the safety of teenagers using the programme, the social media platform also introduced new parental control features and other tools to control recommendations.
This is not the first time Instagram has sought to provide time management tools for users. The app already has a feature that alerts users when their daily app usage exceeds a certain limit and enables them to track and control it. To further decrease engagement with addictive or otherwise unwelcome content, there are options to pause, snooze, restrict, and unfollow pages, groups, and persons. Additionally, there is an option to set up “take a break” alerts after each app session lasts for a defined period of time.
The Quiet Mode, on the other hand, is distinctive because it emphasises the practical repercussions of attempting to take a brief break from an app that you frequently use and where people anticipate your availability. Instagram users can take a break in this mode to read, nap, or engage in other activities. It’s similar to turning off your instant message light on Instagram. The app will provide a summary of what you missed during your downtime when you decide to quit Quiet Mode to help you catch up.
Meta’s President, Global Affairs, Nick Clegg tweeted, “We’ll prompt teenage users to turn on ‘Quiet Mode’ – teens have told us they’re looking for more ways to focus while studying, during school and at night. It’s available today for all users in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and more countries soon.”
To shield teenagers from online teasing and unwanted adverts, Meta and its family of applications have been releasing updates often.
