Instagram has long been one of the biggest holdouts in offering read receipts, but that may soon change. The platform is currently testing a new feature that would allow users to hide when they’ve “seen” a message. This move, announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, marks a significant shift in Instagram’s approach to privacy and user control.
Mosseri also shared an image of how the feature will work. It will be located under the Privacy and Safety tab, accessible by clicking on the person’s name from inside the chat. Once accessed, users will be able to switch a toggle to make their views private. This means that any messages sent in this mode will no longer show read receipts.
The decision to introduce this option comes in response to user demand for more control over their online interactions. Whether it’s not wanting to respond immediately or simply wanting to maintain a semblance of privacy, there are many reasons why hiding read receipts can be beneficial for users. For instance, if a user opens a message with a video and can’t listen to it right away, the ability to hide read receipts would be a welcome feature.
Currently, it’s unclear when the option will be rolled out to all users or how exactly Instagram is testing it. There is also uncertainty surrounding whether users will have to turn it off for each individual or if there will be an overarching option to apply it to all chats.
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While Instagram is just now testing the option to hide read receipts, other Meta-owned platforms have already allowed this feature for quite some time. For example, WhatsApp has allowed users to hide their read receipts since 2014, giving its users more control over their privacy and online interactions. Messenger, on the other hand, still automatically shows when a message is viewed, but perhaps this will change in the future.
This move by Instagram signals a broader shift in the tech industry toward giving users more control over their online interactions and digital footprint. It acknowledges that online privacy is an important concern for users and that platforms need to adapt to meet their needs and expectations.
As Instagram tests this new feature, it will be interesting to watch how users respond and whether it becomes a permanent option. It may also pave the way for other messaging platforms within the Meta ecosystem to offer similar features, ultimately giving users greater control over their online interactions.
In conclusion, Instagram’s decision to test a feature that allows users to hide read receipts represents a significant shift in the platform’s approach to privacy and user control. It also reflects a broader trend within the tech industry toward giving users more control over their online interactions and digital footprint. As the testing process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how users respond and whether this feature becomes a permanent option.
