The ability to restrict the visibility of user “likes” on Instagram posts refers to a function that allows individuals to control whether others can see the number of “likes” their posts receive, or the “likes” they have given to other users’ posts. An example of this function in use would be a user choosing to hide the like counts on their own posts to minimize social comparison or reduce pressure related to post performance metrics.
Implementing this feature offers benefits such as fostering a less competitive and more authentic environment on the platform. Historically, like counts have been viewed as a measure of popularity and success, leading to potential negative impacts on mental health and user engagement. Hiding like counts can shift the focus from numerical validation to content quality and genuine interaction.
