Bluesky has introduced a feature that prevents you from unintentionally going viral. I desire it to be available everywhere.

      Bluesky now allows users to opt out of its algorithm-driven Discover feed.

      There’s a particular anxiety associated with sharing something minor and then seeing it reach a vast audience who lacks context. Fortunately, Bluesky has introduced a way to escape this situation. Users can now opt out of the algorithmic Discover feed, which means their posts will no longer be shown to individuals who do not already follow them.

      How Bluesky's algorithmic opt-out feature functions

      According to Bluesky’s announcement, not everyone wishes to achieve viral status; sometimes posts are for a specific audience. It's important to note that this option does not make your account private. Anyone can still access your profile and view your content. The main change is in terms of discoverability, as your posts will not appear to strangers browsing the Discover section.

      As Bluesky does not offer private accounts, this is the nearest alternative to setting boundaries available on the platform. Although it doesn't prevent someone from taking a screenshot of your post and sharing it elsewhere, and other applications using Bluesky’s AT Proto protocol can choose to disregard this setting, limiting the primary source of unsolicited attention is a significant improvement.

      How to opt out of Bluesky's Discover feed

      To opt out, go to the Privacy and Security settings within the app and enable the option labeled “Ask apps to hide my posts from algorithmic recommendations.” Please allow up to an hour for this change to take effect. I activated mine as soon as I read about the update.

      Additionally, this is not the only new feature being introduced. Bluesky recently added 10-minute video uploads and has been implementing custom feed options as well. The company described these changes as “one of a few updates” aimed at enhancing user control. Other platforms that focus solely on engagement should take note, as sometimes the best feature is the ability to completely opt out.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer with over nine years of editorial experience.

      Meta is setting new restrictions for teens that will initially only apply to users in the U.S.

      Facebook and Instagram are imposing new limits on screen time and content for younger users.

      Meta is rolling out new restrictions for U.S. teens utilizing Facebook and Instagram, but the implications could extend beyond American users. These new protections follow a series of settlements tied to claims that social media platforms jeopardize children’s safety, with Meta potentially facing as much as $18 billion in costs. For now, these regulations will be enforced solely for U.S. users. The measures include restrictions on the duration younger users can engage with Meta’s apps and limits on disabling certain safety features, as reported by Bloomberg. The company intends to monitor the changes and continue discussions with international governments.

      Meta is imposing strict regulations on Facebook and Instagram following a $17 billion settlement.

      Teen users may soon encounter time restrictions and overnight access blocks on Instagram and Facebook.

      Meta is preparing to significantly alter the experience on Facebook and Instagram for younger audiences after reaching a substantial settlement related to allegations that its platforms were designed in a way that could foster social media addiction. While the headline amount is considerable, the changes tied to the settlement may directly impact how teens engage with the apps.

      Meta has agreed to pay as much as $17.1 billion to resolve claims from 47 states, Washington, D.C., and various U.S. territories. This resolution avoids a major trial concerning allegations that Facebook and Instagram promoted addictive features, exposed young users to harmful content, and did not adequately safeguard children. Although Meta denies any wrongdoing, it has committed to implementing an extensive series of restrictions and safety measures.

      Meta has settled a social media addiction lawsuit for $17 billion and is pledging to enforce stricter regulations.

      The head of Instagram stated that only a small fraction of teens utilize safety features, and he instructs his team not to conceal anything.

      Meta has recently settled a significant social media addiction lawsuit in California and several other states for $17 billion. In this case, attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey accused the company of intentionally making its social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) addictive and causing harm to children.

      A significant change ahead.