Why is Instagram hiding likes?
Social media takes on the mental health crisis
Beyond Today · BBC Radio 4
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Show Notes
Instagram has announced that it’s extending a trial where it hides likes from other users. You will still see your own like count, but not that of people you follow. It’s being heralded as a positive thing, and all about improving mental health. Instagram bosses say they want to depressurise the experience, and look after young people. But how far do we trust Facebook, Instagram’s parent company, to do the right thing? What will it mean for all those influencers who rely on likes to impress the brands that pay their wages? We speak to the BBC’s Sophia Smith-Galer, fashion influencer Katherine Ormerod, and Matt Navarra, a social media consultant.
Presented by Tina Daheley Producers: Katie Gunning and Philly Beaumont Mixed by Nicolas Raufast Editor: John Shields