Instagram is about to hide likes from users in the US.
Instagram, is owned by Facebook (FB), has already been testing hiding likes in seven other countries, including Canada, Ireland and Australia.
It is one of the biggest steps they’ve taken so far because for years now Instagram likes have been a way of measuring success and fame especially for bloggers, brands, celebrities, musicians, politicians and everyday users.
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said likes will disappear for “some” US users beginning this week.
Why is Instagram hiding likes?
According to research done by Instagram, the likes is a contributing factor of depression, low self-esteem, abuse and the platform is becoming toxic. The CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri said the attempt is to curb the competitive pressure on the platform.
How does it work?
A user can still see how many likes they’ve received, but their followers won’t know the count.
Reactions from celebrities and users
Some celebrities like Nicki Minaj, the American rapper, Cardi b, the American rapper and Rapper Rico Nasty have all expressed their views.
Nicki Minaj said she will stop posting on Instagram if likes were gone.
Rapper Rico Nasty also tweeted that the change could “kill” Instagram. “I’m not saying it’s bad. I’m saying people value ‘likes’ so I’m sure they won’t be posting on there no more which means .. new app coming soon,” she added.
I’m not saying it’s bad . I’m saying people value “likes” so I’m sure they won’t be posting on there no more which means .. new app coming soon . https://t.co/7UeoMCvDnf
— TACOBELLA (@Rico_nastyy) November 10, 2019
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Cardi B also said that nasty comments on Instagram are more of an issue than likes when it comes to users’ well-being.
Kim Kardashian West says otherwise, she said taking away likes would be “beneficial” for people’s mental health.
