• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living

What to know about Instagram's new anti-bullying feature with AI technology

2:11
Instagram makes big changes to address bullying
Muhammed Selim Korkutata/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
ByTony Morrison, Rebecca Jarvis, and Taylor Dunn
July 09, 2019, 2:27 PM

Two major changes are coming to Instagram meant to address bullying.

Editor’s Picks

Why people are turning to Instagram for their therapy needs

  • Jul 03, 2019

Listen to Michelle Obama's self-care message: Why women need to put themselves first

  • Jul 08, 2019

6 ways to make self-care happen

  • Jun 24, 2019

Related Articles

MORE: Why people are turning to Instagram for therapy and mental health needs

The social platform is rolling out two new features, including one powered by artificial intelligence that notifies people when their comment may be considered offensive before it's even posted.

"While identifying and removing bullying on Instagram is important, we also need to empower our community to stand up to this kind of behavior," Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram said in a post. "It’s our responsibility to create a safe environment on Instagram."

The first new feature forces users to take a beat before posting something offensive.

Here’s how it works: If someone’s about to post a mean comment - for example “you are so ugly and stupid," they will get an instant in-app pop-up notification asking, “are you sure you want to post this?”

Powered by AI, Mosseri writes, "this intervention gives people a chance to reflect and undo their comment and prevents the recipient from receiving the harmful comment notification."

Instagram addresses bullying in new feature called "Restrict."
Instagram

Instagram says they’ve run early tests of this new feature and found at least some people delete those negative comments, instead of posting.

The second new feature called “Restrict.”

It's meant to help users quietly block bullies who they might be reluctant to unfollow or report because of the real life consequences.

Instagram launches new features to reduce online bullying.
Instagram

Once you "restrict" someone, comments on your posts from that person will only be visible to that person. They also won’t be able to see when you’re active on Instagram or when you’ve read their direct messages.

Instagram realizes bullying can be a complex issue.

A toxic user experience can also drive brands away from their platform, not just everyday users. In the long run, not addressing these sort of issues across the ever-growing Instagram community can have not only a detrimental but also a financial impact on the overall operation.

Editor’s Picks

Why people are turning to Instagram for their therapy needs

  • Jul 03, 2019

Listen to Michelle Obama's self-care message: Why women need to put themselves first

  • Jul 08, 2019

6 ways to make self-care happen

  • Jun 24, 2019

Up Next in Living—

More than 67K cases of Power Stick deodorant products voluntarily recalled

July 17, 2025

It's World Emoji Day: Science suggests using these tiny symbols makes you more likable

July 17, 2025

Uber Eats adds more grocery and convenience stores accepting SNAP, EBT

July 16, 2025

Paranormal investigator who helped lead 'Annabelle' doll themed tour dies suddenly

July 16, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News