Instagram launches new "Take a Break" feature today
How often do you spend on your phone every day?
Instagram just launched a feature that urges users to take breaks from the photo-sharing platform as part of their latest wellbeing options.
The social media platform also announced further tools aimed at protecting young users from harmful content on the Facebook-owned service.
Facebook also introduced a ‘Quiet Mode’ last year, which mutes notifications, providing another way to take dedicated time away from the app.
The new feature was rolled out to the US, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia on Tuesday (Dec 7th) and is predicted to reach the rest of the world early next year.
How does the “Take A Break” system work?
Users can turn on the feature in "Settings" and select a reminder after using the platform for 10, 20 or 30 minutes. A full screen alert will pop up, telling users to close the app, as well as suggesting alternative activities to do such as listening to music or taking a deep breath.
The aim is to encourage users to be more mindful about their Instagram engagement, and at the least, serve as a gentle push to disconnect every now and then.
The Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri shared a post on the app, explaining the importance of today's new campaign.
In a statement he said: "We’ll be taking a stricter approach to what we recommend to teens on the app, we’ll stop people from tagging or mentioning teens that don’t follow them, we’ll be nudging teens towards different topics if they’ve been dwelling on one topic for a long time and we’re launching the Take a Break feature."
"We’ll also be launching our first tools for parents and guardians early next year to help them get more involved in their teen’s experiences on Instagram. Parents and guardians will be able to see how much time their teens spend on Instagram and set time limits. And we’ll have a new educational hub for parents and guardians."
We're all guilty for spending too much time on our phones - be that on social media or messaging services.
How often you do use emojis? When you text or post pictures online? Bt are you SURE what you're 'saying' with your emojis are correct? 🤔
Take a look at some common emojis that are often misused; from the sad face which is actually someone with a runny nose, to the tired face that looks frustrated.
Are you guilty of using these emojis incorrectly?
1) Bowing Man 🙇
This guy isn't thinking, he's bowing! Although often mistaken for a man thinking or doing push-ups, this emoji is actually bowing deeply called dogeza in Japan.
2) Sleepy Face 😪
Although technically called 'Sleepy Face', this emoji isn't crying, the 'tear' is actually coming from its nose. This brings a whole other meaning to this 'sad' emoji.
3) See-No-Evil Monkey 🙈
While most people assume it mean 'oh dear' or 'oops', the 'See-No-Evil Monkey' actually part of the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, hence the other two monkey emojis next to it.
4) Person Gesturing No 🙅
While it looks like the person could be doing The X Factor symbol, she is actually gesturing 'no'.
5) Face With Steam From Nose 😤
In a survey conducted last year 69% of the people asked perceived this to mean 'very angry/in a huff'. It actually means 'expressing triumph after great frustration'.
6) Tired Face 😫
This 'tired face' is often confused with the similar 'weary face'. Some also interpret it as a frustrated face.
7) Hushed Face 😯
Its proper definition is someone who should be kept quiet, but many believe it to be surprised or astonished.
8) Disappointed but Relieved Face 😥
Contrary to the upset meaning that many use it for, its true meaning is 'disappointed but relieved'.
9) Dash Symbol 💨
Whilst many think of this as a fart it actually means the fast movement of a person or vehicle!
10) Person with Folded Hands 🙏
No, this person isn't praying! In Japan, a folded hand gesture is commonly used to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
11) Poop emoji
Perhaps the most famous misinterpreted emoji, this little fella isn't actually a poop - he's a happy chocolate ice cream, duh. It was proven (by science) when a Twitter user superimposed the ALLEGED poop over the actual Ice Cream emoji and the shapes fit exactly.
12) Dancing girls
These are dancing girls of the rather more risqué persuasion than what you've been using them as. Sure, nothing says gals night out on the town like these two, but they actually originated as Japanese 'bunny girls', akin to strippers or playboy bunnies.
13) Sassy Girl
There's a Sassy Girl in all of us, but it turns out she's not actually flicking her hair like she just don't care in this emoji - she's actually an information kiosk lady. Who knew.
14) Aubergine emoji
While we know - WE KNOW - that popular culture dictates that this is, in fact a peen, you'll be sad to know that it wasn't designed as such and is actually just an Aub. Day ruiner or what.
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