Instagram tests new 'Take a Break' feature

Instagram tests new feature 'Take a Break' in light of Haugen's testimony against Facebook and its impact on teenagers

Instagram is testing a new feature that encourages users to take a break from the app. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced the feature in a video. "Take a Break" feature is being tested on a hanful of users at the moment.

The opt-in feature will remind you to take a break from Instagram for 10, 20, or 30 minutes after spending some time on the app and is 'part of a broader effort to try and give people more control over their experience of Instagram' according to Mosseri.

After Whistleblower, Frances Haugen testified against Facebook over its negative impact on the mental health of young people, companies felt under pressure to release new features that would deal with the problem. Teenagers had admitted to Facebook researchers that they felt addicted to Instagram and didn't have any self-control to reduce their usage of the app.

Nick Clegg, the company's vice president of Global Affairs, states on CNN, that the company was working on features like "Take a Break" to reduce social media's impact on teenagers.

The prompt feature will have to be activated and may appear as a small glimpse whilst scrolling over the newsfeed. Mosseri believes the feature could be launched officially next month if the test succeeds and is liked by users.