Facebook and Instagram are adding an option that allows users to hide the number of "likes" on their posts to their posts

Facebook has received feedback from users and experts that seeing the number of "Likes" numbers is as annoying to some users as it is beneficial to others, it said However, there have long been warnings from experts who claim that the instant gratification model of Facebook and Instagram, in particular, can contribute to anxiety and depression in teenagers

In an experiment, Facebook found that this feature helps "suppress" users' social media experiences However, Facebook has been using "Like" to understand trends and popularity counts, noting that there are still users who find the feature beneficial The feature will be introduced first on Instagram and then on Facebook in a few weeks

"We've been working closely with third-party experts to better understand how to empower people, increase self-awareness, and shape a more positive experience on Instagram," Facebook said: "We've also been working with people on their experiences on Instagram, our funding more external research on how we can improve our policies and products to support our community We are currently seeking research proposals from world-class scholars and non-profit organizations"

According to the Royal Society of Public Health in the UK, a 2017 report found Instagram and Snapchat to be the most harmful to young people's mental healthThe RSPH, along with the Young Health Movement, surveyed 1,500 14- to 24-year-olds across the UK The study surveyed 1,500 people and found that image-focused platforms are worse in terms of driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety

But the report was not all negative It also found that Instagram was beneficial in self-expression and self-identity

That is why experts and politicians were greatly alarmed when it was reported that Facebook was launching an Instagram service for children under the age of 13 Facebook is now facing pressure after 180,000 people signed a petition asking the social media giant not to move forward with the idea

According to social media influencer Cathy Pedraeus, who has 114,000 followers on Instagram and 16 million on TikTok, she has noticed the feature being tested by some of her fans

"When it has been tested on certain accounts in the past, my experience has been that they say, 'I like it! ' and people complained that they wanted it back," Pedrayes said in an interview with Tom's Guide

As for larger influencers, she feels that some may opt for this feature depending on their fame and notoriety

"With celebrity accounts that are recognized outside of the app, like! is disabled, no one would question the integrity of that account," Pedrayes said For smaller accounts, "Like! or followers to hide the fact that they have purchased likes! could be accused of hiding the fact that they are hiding the fact that they have a Facebook account

Facebook is rolling out this new feature on Instagram first It may take time for it to reach all users For example, Android devices currently do not have the ability to turn "Like!" cannot be turned off

In any case, to hide "Likes" on Instagram to hide it, follow these steps:

According to a press release, Facebook plans to roll out this feature to its app in the coming weeks If you don't see it yet, don't worry: