Instagram vows to keep app ‘positive, creative, safe’
The platform is touting a new anti-harassment feature. Users and brand managers can now remove offensive comments from posts. Here’s how PR pros can emulate its approach.
For many, social media is a venue for self-expression.
In a blog post Monday, Instagram chief Kevin Systrom says he deeply values the diversity of the platform’s 500 million-member community and feels responsible for the well-being of its users.
Systrom made one other thing clear: He’s against cyber-bullying and trolling.
Why?
He doesn’t detest it for the reasons that many brand managers might cite—that it can decrease brand loyalty and cast brands in an unfavorable light. Instead, he says “unkind comments” take away from “the beauty of the Instagram community.”
In light of that, Instagram execs are standing against bully culture online.
From Systrom, on the platform’s blog:
To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment. It’s not only my personal wish to do this, I believe it’s also our responsibility as a company. So, today, we’re taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself.
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