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Instagram Rolls Out 'Keyword Moderation Tool' That Will Filter Out Offensive Comments (macrumors.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the turn-a-blind-eye dept.

In an effort to "promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment," Instagram has introduced today a "keyword moderation tool" that anyone can use to block offensive or inappropriate words. Mac Rumors reports: Referred to as a "keyword moderation tool," the feature will let each user type in words they find to be offensive, effectively hiding any mention of them in the comment section of their posts. The comments containing the harsh language will still be available for other Instagram users, but the company believes that allowing each user to determine which words to hide from their personal collection of photos will cultivate a "positive and safe" environment. To deal with abusive accounts, Instagram already lets users swipe to delete comments, report inappropriate comments and block accounts.

7 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. Belgium by OzPeter · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Sounds like all this will do is allow the Instagram users to wrap a virtual towel around their heads.

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  2. Bubble boys and girls by John+Jorsett · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I've already noticed on other forums a tendency to construct a cocoon where nothing disagreeable gets in, but the people try to do it by driving out or shutting up anyone with a contrary opinion. This tool will allow them to create their own little universe without having to eject or muzzle the meanies who insist on saying things they don't like. Everyone can now have their own customized online "safe room".

    1. Re:Bubble boys and girls by Opportunist · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Oddly, though, those exact same people will have NO qualms, zero, none at all, to try to destroy their "opponents" mentally, financially and if at all possible physically.

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    2. Re:Bubble boys and girls by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Insightful

      No, but people who dox others and send lies to their employers in an attempt to get them fired are. Or at the very least, they should be considered that.

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      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    3. Re:Bubble boys and girls by elrous0 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Snowflakes are very fragile and melt easily. They must be carefully protected to ensure that they're never exposed to anyone who might do something offensive or abusive, like disagreeing with them.

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    4. Re:Bubble boys and girls by elrous0 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      the muslim and mexican thing, really isnt racist. nationalist perhaps, but not racist.

      Haven't you heard? In modern SJW world, nationalism *IS* racism.

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      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
  3. I'm all for this concept by GatorSnake · · Score: 3, Insightful

    While I am in the camp of those who would never filter out anything, I am not offended easily, I see this as the best possible solution to let those who find certain words or concepts "offensive" to opt out and stop trying to force their values on the rest of us. Putting the onus on the individual rather than the company to decide what she/he sees has to be the way forward if we are going to protect freedom of expression.

    While I agree this may cause "bubble" syndrome and allow for self-imposed isolation of various groups from each other, I think it could also provide some interesting life lessons. Think of a person who does a heavy self-censor without realizing the consequences, then hearing from friends that she missed out on a fun post because of it. Might cause people to start to question why they don't want to hear certain things or think certain thoughts.

    I can see the next big celebrity/athlete protest of intentionally using hashtags of broadly censored words just to draw attention to the fact that people shouldn't hide from realities they may disagree with or find scary.