Facebook and Instagram announce BIG changes

These days you can spend hours on social media without even realising it, which is why the social media giants, Facebook and Instagram, are bringing in some BIG changes for users. Amid growing concerns that people are spending too long online, which can lead to mental health issues, lack of sleep and under performing at work; Facebook and Instagram have announced changes today (1st August). These changes will include new tools to help people manage how long they are spending on the social media platforms.

On Facebook's press website they revealed they would be adding in an 'activity dashboard, a daily reminder and a new way to limit notifications'. They go on to explain that they want 'the time people spend on Facebook and Instagram to be intentional, positive and inspiring', explaining that they have done extensive research, and worked with leading mental health experts and organisations. The social media site also explained that they hoped these changes would give people more control over the time they spend on the platforms.

If you're wondering how to access these new tools they'll be available through the setting page on both Facebook and Instagram. On Instagram, tap 'Your Activity,' and on Facebook, tap 'Your Time on Facebook.'

Then, you'll be able to see a dashboard showing how much time you have spent on that app on the device you're using. You can also select an allotted amount of time to spend on each network before it warns you. That way you'll know when you've spent too long on the device.

In their statement, Facebook went on to explain, 'We have a responsibility to help people understand how much time they spend on our platforms so they can better manage their experience.'

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These major changes follow on from the smaller changes that have been made to Instagram so far this year, including adding a soundtrack to your Stories, changing likes to mini icons of users' profile photos (instead of their name) and being able to mute accounts that you follow.

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