Threads is a new app from Instagram that allows users to connect with their close friends and followers in a more private and personal way. It has a similar look and formatting to Twitter, leading many experts to dub it the “Twitter competitor”.
Threads is designed to be a more intimate and casual platform than the main Instagram app. Despite its ability to host videos and other multimedia formatting, it’s primarily a text-focused app with the ability to post 500 characters in an individual post.
The Head of Instagram says this about the new app:
“Threads is a new app from Instagram that’s designed to help you connect with your closest friends in a more intimate and personal way. With Threads, you can share photos, videos, and text messages with just the people you care about most. We believe that Threads can help you build stronger relationships and feel more connected to the people you love.”
In addition to its privacy features and focus on personal connections, Threads – in its current form – is more minimalistic than other apps created by Meta, but it is reported that it will receive new ones along its development.
Here are the current features of the app:
- The feed is not chronological, users are served content based on an algorithm.
- The platform is only available on mobile.
- You cannot search for conversations or trending topics. The search bar only allows you to look for users to follow.
- Currently, popular features like the ability to direct message users, search for hashtags, and even advertise aren’t included on Threads yet.
- Users are also able to post videos or photos at high resolution.
- Threads posts can be easily shared on Instagram stories.
It seems that Threads has had an impact on the social media arena, but what effect could Threads have on young people is important to explore.
How Instagram Threads Affect Young People
Like any technology, Threads can be used for both harm and good. As with all social media sites, there is the potential for threads to be used for negative purposes such as cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.
Here are some possible ways that Instagram Threads could affect young people:
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: The feed on Threads includes recommendations from users you don’t follow, which means that young people may be exposed to content that is not appropriate for them. Threads provide options to remove recommendations, which can help teach the algorithm about the user’s preferences (To find out more about algorithms read this blog here). You can do this by clicking on the three dots on the right side of the thread and then the options of “Unfollow, Mute, Hide, or Report ” will appear. This will remove that type of content from your feed and teach the platform your likes and dislikes.
- Privacy: Signing up to Threads requires an Instagram account that is connected to an existing user profile. Instagram will send you a notification to give you the option to sign up for threads where you can accept or decline. If a young person already has a profile on Instagram, it’s important to be aware that they may sign up for threads and be open to new interactions and information. We encourage young people to be mindful of what they share and if they are unsure or worried about anything to speak to a trusted adult about it.
- Increased connection: Threads can help young people feel more connected to their friends. The app is designed to focus on personal connections and opinions aiming to help them connect with like-minded content creators and grow in self-expression. We suggest that carers of young people should explore how to put healthy boundaries around screen time and engage with their lives offline and online. A great way of doing this is by creating a family agreement using our free template.
As Threads is still a new platform, it is unclear what role it will play in creating a safe online space for young people.
Overall, Instagram’s Threads can have a wide range of impacts on young people. It is important for young people to use the app responsibly and to be aware of the potential risks associated with the app, whilst also knowing where they can go for further help and support here
Tips for Using Instagram Threads Safely
Here are a few recommendations to help young people stay safe when using Threads:
- Be mindful of who you add to your Threads. Who you follow can affect the content you are exposed to. Adding individuals who post inappropriate content or promote harmful behaviours can have a negative impact. On Threads, young people can be selective about who they allow to follow them by setting their profile into private via the profile setting they can approve who they follow.
- Be aware of the privacy settings. Make sure you understand how to control who can see your Threads. Threads give you the option to post only to people you follow and who follow you back, or you can also make public posts.
- Be careful what you share. While it may be tempting to share every aspect of our lives with our followers, it is important to remember that once something is posted on the internet, it can be very difficult to remove. Only share information that you are comfortable with others seeing, as it could potentially have consequences on our personal and professional lives.
- Report any cyberbullying or harassment. Take action if you or a young person you know experiences bullying or harassment on Threads. Block and report the offending account and keep a record of any proof. If necessary, seek further help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional. Remember that it is not anyone’s fault if they have been subjected to bullying or harassment, and there are tools available to help them. Anyone under the age of 18 can also contact Childline if they need someone to talk to about something they have experienced offline or online.
Threads, a text-based app from Meta, is still in its early stages of development. As it grows, we will strive to keep educators and carers informed about how to encourage young people to use this platform confidently and securely. We hope that these guidelines have given you the necessary overview of the platform and be useful in your line of responsibility.
