Instagram is making it much more difficult to stalk a person via the social media service’s Story feature.
Many Instagram users who like to take ample screenshots are going to be incredibly bummed once Instagram unveils its new update.
They know you’re watching
According to HelloGiggles, Instagram may start to inform users when another user screenshot’s an image from the original user’s Instagram story. “Users included in the test are getting a warning that the next time they take a screenshot of a friend’s story the friend will be able to see it, as shown below,” added TechCrunch.
At least we’ve been warned.
“… users who are participating in the test can see who took a screenshot of their story by going to the list of story viewers and seeing a new camera shutter logo next to anyone who took a screenshot of their photo.” TechCrunch clarified that Instagram Story “creators won’t get a specific notification when someone takes a screenshot of their story, it will only show up in their list of story viewers.”
This new update is an interesting one. After reflecting on the update, we’ve decided that this social media switch-up is a good thing… and a bad thing. Let us explain.
The good
We’ll start with the obvious good.
This change could deter internet stalkers from screenshoting your life via Story form. Although most people who screenshot your Stories are most likely harmless (more on that later), there could be a few users who are screenshoting for more nefarious reasons. Thankfully, the people who screenshot to stalk, creep or blackmail a person are less prevalent than people who just screenshot because they can — or do so for a more positive reason.
…and that potential positive leads us to a possible screenshot notification silver lining! If people are taking shots of your Instagram Stories because they like what you’re wearing or what you’re doing, then screenshot feedback could help you find out what your fans like.
Pictured: good spying.
The bad
It’s always a bummer when someone can track your every move, and that’s especially true when it comes to movement on the internet. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if this move caused people to engage with Instagram Stories less.
Again, Instagram is just testing this feature.
“Instagram is likely using this test to see if the feature has any noticeable impact on engagement, before deciding whether or not they’ll roll it out to all users,” TechCrunch reported. “For example, there’s a chance that some users may end up watching less stories over time if they aren’t able to take screenshots without notifying the creator.
“Prior to this test, the only screenshot notifications on Instagram were when someone took a screenshot of a private direct message,” TechCrunch added.
The tech site also added that any user can still take screenshots of a post or someone’s photo. Users also “can rewatch stories as many times as they want within 24 hours, with the creator unable to see exactly how many times one person watched it.”
Pictured: bad spying.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
