Instagram plans to introduce a 'take a break' feature for teens

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Instagram's reputation had taken another dive recently when whistleblower Frances Haugen shared during a hearing at the US Congress that Facebook was aware its algorithms are destructive, leading children to harmful content and only taking out a fraction of the hate speech. In response to these issues, Facebook Global Affairs VP Nick Clegg promised Instagram would get a "take a break" feature to encourage teens to stop using the social network for a while. Clegg didn't say when the option would be ready, though. 

He also mentioned how Facebook would "nudge" teens away from materials that "may not be conducive to their well-being." But we don't have the specifics of this either. Clegg has suggested that Facebook's algorithms should be "held to account."

As Engadget pointed out, these promised moves might not satisfy Haugen and other critics. Taking a break to reduce exposure to harmful content isn't equivalent to getting rid of said content. The move also follows a familiar strategy from the company where it likes to invite regulation, but only those it is comfortable with. We don't know where this is headed, but we're keeping an eye out for it.