Should Instagram get rid of likes?

So by now, you have probably heard that instagram is considering getting rid of their “likes” feature. Not completely, but only the person posting will see the likes, not the followers/people liking the post.

Why? Well, they claim it’s for a good cause associated with the mentality behind the app. According to a study from “American Psychological Association”, they claim that with people born after 1995, there have been increases in depression and anxiety, that can be linked to social media.

You see, whether you know it or not, a lot of people are self conscious about how many “likes” they get or “followers”. It either will make them feel good about themselves, or the opposite.

The power of likes & followers on Instagram, are everything. It’s almost like it has its own currency, or a status symbol. These days you will literally be viewed differently depending on your so called “status”. 

So what Instagram is doing, will affect the platform positively and negatively. Here’s a few examples.

POSITIVE

- Will help teens mentally (not have to worry or be “embarrassed”)

- Can help drive down anxiety, depression, bullying, etc..

- Bring more attention to the actual content rather than engagement

NEGATIVE

- Likes will have less valueIt may impact influencers heavily and affect their living/income

- May turn people against the platform

- Will not make people spend less time on the platform

Although there are plenty of examples to both sides. I think it will overall have a negative impact. After all, taking away the “Like” feature won’t simply take away teen depression.

Sure, some people may almost feel safer. But it won’t necessarily stop all the anxiety, depression and cyberbullying. Besides the “like” has an extreme value. It is the core of the platform, scrolling, double tap then the heart comes up. Sure that’ll stay but they’re still taking away half of the overall feature in way.

Currently Instagram is testing the new update in 7 different countries. First it started with Canada, then it was extended to Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand. Meaning all users in those countries will no longer be able to see the number of likes and video views a post receives.

If Instagram actually goes through with the idea, and ends up taking away the feature, how do you think it will change the platform?