Instagram is trying out a new idea which you may or may not like. The photo-sharing app is testing a feature that hides the amount of “likes” on photos and videos.
Tuesday, the app announced that testing is being done in Canada and starts later this week. The owner of the post will still be able to see the number of likes but followers won’t.
An Instagram spokesperson said this will put the main focus on the photos and videos as opposed to the number of likes. It’s unknown if this idea will spread internationally. Analysts expect the response to this test will vary widely.
A report conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health and the Young Health Movement states that social media impacts health as well as a person’s wellbeing.
A result of removing public likes is also thought by some researchers could result in app users posting content considered to be more authentic and could result in less pressure when using the platform.
