Instagram has announced its intention to hide likes count for your own good. The Facebook-owned social platform confirmed on Twitter, that it is testing a feature in seven select countries whose main focus will be on likes and video views on its platform. The countries involved in the roll out trial include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand.
"We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love," Mia Garlick, Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy, said in a statement.
With the help of a sample photo, Instagram explained to users what the trial feature will entail, such that individuals will see a user name "and others" below their Instagram photos. "We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get", tweeted Instagram.
The platform also went ahead to make it clear that the likes count will still be visible to the account users, but not their friends, "You can still see your own likes by tapping on the list of people who've liked it, but your friends will not be able to see how many likes your post has received."
This comes amid major concerns; and proven studies that social media platforms can contribute to low self-esteem and mental health issues such as depression in people.
Some users were not pleased with the move, sparking #InstagramDELETE on twitter, insisting that getting Instagram likes; and seeing the number of video views is basically the App's main use to them. Others however supported this move, stating it will aid in reducing social media-related mental health cases, especially among the youth globally.

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