Meta begins testing the Instagram Plus subscription, offering exclusive benefits.

      Digital Trends

      Every social media platform seems to be diving into subscriptions, and honestly, it’s becoming a bit excessive. The latest instance comes from Meta, which is reportedly encouraging users to consider something called Instagram Plus. A Reddit user recently noted that these prompts are appearing even for those happily utilizing the free version. I’ve been on Instagram for quite some time and haven’t encountered this on my end yet, so it isn’t a full deployment, at least not for everyone. It appears that Meta is quietly testing this option in select markets before fully launching it. Nevertheless, the direction is evident. The free experience remains, but the significant question is how long before it starts to feel like just a stripped-down offering.

      Instagram Plus appears appealing, but what does it actually provide?

      Meta / Instagram

      Based on a screenshot shared by a Reddit user, Instagram Plus is offering what it calls “tempting upgrades.” These include features like multiple story audiences, insights on who is rewatching your stories, the ability to search your viewer list, preview stories before you post them, extend their duration, send super hearts, and even highlight your stories. In essence, all those little features that give you a greater sense of control. Of course, Meta has placed all of this behind a paywall, although they’re providing a free one-month trial—after all, why not let you fall in love with the service first?

      I must admit, features like tracking who rewatched my Instagram stories or extending their visibility are quite enticing. However, once you become accustomed to these perks, reverting to the standard version will likely feel somewhat lacking. It’s that classic strategy: you sample a taste, and suddenly, those extras begin to feel essential.

      What are people's thoughts on this?

      PairStrong on Reddit

      While I can see the draw of these features, many Reddit users aren’t impressed and are vocal about it. A lot consider them unnecessary, even pointless. The general sentiment is that this is a familiar scenario. Elon Musk implemented similar strategies with X (formerly Twitter), and now Mark Zuckerberg seems to be following suit. They aren’t entirely off base; this is largely the direction the internet is headed. Free services are gradually becoming subscription-based. It’s becoming the norm. Ads alone are insufficient to sustain these platforms, which is understandable from a business perspective.

      Personally, I don’t view it as a significant issue. Ultimately, it’s a matter of choice. You can pay for the added features if you wish or stick to the free version if you prefer not to. It’s straightforward. However, here’s the catch: once you enter that paid experience and get accustomed to the benefits, going back starts to feel like a reduction in quality. And that’s precisely how they entice you.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, boasting over five years of experience in the technology sector.

      WhatsApp support for CarPlay is on the way

      As a devoted CarPlay user for years, this update feels long overdue. WhatsApp is finally developing a dedicated app for CarPlay, and it’s about time. Up until now, all I could do was view notifications on the dashboard, with no real interaction beyond that. However, it’s still in testing and currently only available to iOS beta users. So, yes, it’s on the horizon—but we’re not quite there yet.

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      Social media restrictions for minors are increasing in various nations

      Children using social media already presents a complicated situation. There’s so much that can go wrong, and no parent wants to handle the repercussions. It becomes even more complicated with the rising trend of parents creating and managing accounts for their children. Initially, it seems harmless and controlled. However, the internet lacks a true safety mechanism. Regardless of how meticulously an account is maintained, there’s no real way to exclude predators from the equation. That aspect shifts an otherwise "well-intentioned" setup into something more concerning.

      The internet’s parenting dilemma just got real

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      Bluesky has developed a new AI tool that aims to liberate you from social algorithms

      The Attie app utilizes natural language to generate personalized feeds. Say goodbye to mysterious algorithms.

      Bluesky recently introduced a new AI app named Attie, which offers something that many social platforms are reluctant to allow. It gives you control over your own algorithm. You create custom feeds by communicating with Attie like you would with any other AI assistant. Specify the kind of content you wish to see, and it generates a tailored timeline instantly. No coding or complicated settings required. This announcement was made over the weekend during the Atmosphere conference, where attendees received early access to the private beta.

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