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Instagram's Restrict:
A new way to combat
Cyberbulling

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In 2023, Instagram introduced the ability to "restrict" profiles, giving users another way to prevent interaction with cyberbullies.

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How 

The Benfits of Restricing a Profile

What does it mean?

A restricted profile won't show whether you are online, tag you in posts, or send you notifications.

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This is great to limit someone's access to your profile without them knowing, and you can still view each other's content,

Restricting Vs Blocking Vs Muting

Muting a user blocks all their content, but they can still see your profile.

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Blocking prevents all interactions with the other account.

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Restrict is a more comprehensive way to limit interactions, with the goal of avoiding escalation.

Disclaimer!

There is not direct study about the effect of resrticing a profile, however there are sutdies about proven methods to prevent cyberbulling. 

Proven Method to fight Cyberbullying

A Technological Coping Strategy

According to Machackova et al. (2013), victims of cyberbullying tend to view technological solutions as the most effective method to combat it.

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Restricting is a technological coping strategy against cyberbullying because it is an in-app feature.

Postive Impact

Positive Reception

According to Wardell (2023), a Doctor of Psychology and Instagram user, it made her feel like she got the last laugh when dealing with harassers.

Personal Experiences

I started using it to limit interactions with people I need space from but don’t want out of my life. It was a great way to keep using the app while setting boundaries.

Lower Visibility of Restricted Profiles

When I restrict a profile, it means I want to see less of them, so I would like them to be a lower priority in my stories and for me to see fewer of their posts

Suggestions

Better Explanation

Instagram should explain this better in the app, since it still gets mixed up with blocking and muting.

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