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Instagram launches a MAJOR update to save you hours of scrolling at night – here’s what you need to know
- Meta has launched two new tools to encourage teens to manage their time on apps
- On Instagram, they get a ‘nudge’ when they scroll through Reels at night
If you’re struggling to sleep, it can be tempting to reach for your phone and scroll through Instagram.
But the days of realizing it’s suddenly 4am may soon be a thing of the past thanks to Instagram’s latest update.
Meta, which owns both Instgram and Facebook, has launched two new tools to encourage teens to manage their time on the apps.
“These updates are designed to help teens take control of their online experiences and help parents feel equipped to support their teens,” explains Meta.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new features.
Meta, owner of both Instgram and Facebook, has launched two new tools to encourage teens to manage their time on the apps
With the first new tool, teens will receive a notification if they have spent an extended period of time on Facebook.
“Teens see a notification when they’ve spent 20 minutes on Facebook asking them to free up time from the app and set daily time limits,” explains Meta.
Meanwhile, on Instagram, they get a “push” when the app detects them scrolling through Reels at night.
“We’re also investigating a new nudge on Instagram that suggests teens close the app when scrolling through Reels at night,” Meta added.
The new features come shortly after the launch of Quiet Mode on Instagram – a feature that encourages users to set boundaries with their friends and followers.
With the first update, teens will receive a notification if they’ve spent an extended period of time on Facebook
Silent mode mutes notifications and sends automatic replies to direct messages (DMs).
It also adds a new “on silent” status under Instagram profile names accompanied by a small crescent moon icon for others to see.
Instagram users can toggle silent mode on and off in the app’s settings and choose to set a time period after which it will automatically activate.
Users will also get a prompt asking if they want to enable Silent Mode after spending “a few minutes” on Instagram overnight.
Silent Mode is already available to users in the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, but is now rolling out globally.