Instagram to add ‘usage insights’ tool

The planned ‘usage insights’ feature was discovered by app researcher Jane Manchun Wong, who found the code inside the Instagram for Android application package, Techcrunch reported.

Kevin Systrom, chief executive at Instagram, later confirmed the news in a tweet, and said: ”We're building tools that will help the IG community know more about the time they spend on Instagram – any time should be positive and intentional.”

It is unclear how exactly the feature will work and whether it will show total time spent on the platform or display insights for a particular time period.

As media consumption has grown in recent years, there has been increased discussion about the impact of technology on users’ wellbeing, with tech companies facing scrutiny over their use of addictive technologies and behavioural economics nudges. A 2017 report, for instance, found that Instagram had a negative impact on youths’ sleep, body image, and fear of missing out.

Google recently announced at its I/O developer conference that it would introduce a set of tools designed to help users manage their time as part of its new Android operating system, including a ‘wind down’ feature that activates before users go to bed.