Instagram is hiding the number of likes on posts in several countries, including Ireland, in order to “remove pressure” on users.
The change means Irish Instagram users won’t be able to see how many likes other people’s photos get – so users can focus on the content they share rather than the likes they get.
At the moment, Instagram users see a running total of people who have liked a post. In the trial, users will see a user name “and others” below posts.
Instagrammers can still view the number of likes their own posts receive.
There is concern social media platforms can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy in young people.
The drastic change is compulsory for all account holders in Australia – but it won’t immediately affect people in Britain or the US.
“We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love,” Mia Garlick, Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy, said in a statement.
The goal, she adds, is that users feel less judged and to see “whether this change can help people focus less on likes and more on telling their story”.
