Instagram is trialing a new feature that allows users to reset their algorithm to enhance safety, especially for teens. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, introduced this update to ensure that the platform remains a safe, positive, and age-appropriate environment for its younger users.

In a blog post released on November 19, Meta emphasized the importance of providing teens with a meaningful and secure experience on Instagram. The company stated, "We want to make sure everyone on Instagram, especially teens, has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they’re spending on Instagram is valuable."

This move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of social media on the mental health of teens. Studies, including one by the Journal of the American Medical Association, have highlighted that teens spending over three hours a day on social media may face a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Earlier this year, the U.S. surgeon general even urged Congress to consider warning labels on social media, similar to those on cigarette packaging.

The new feature allows users to manually reset their content recommendations, affecting the Explore, Reels, and Feed tabs. Once the reset is done, Instagram will suggest new, personalized content, potentially different from what users usually encounter. To further refine the algorithm, Instagram has also introduced an "interested" and "not interested" option to help users better control their content feed.

Currently, the reset feature is being tested, and Instagram has plans to launch it globally, though the exact timeline for the rollout remains unclear.

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