Introduction
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over one billion active users. However, with such a large user base, users may encounter unwanted attention or cyberbullying. In such cases, restricting a user on Instagram can be a useful tool. In this article, we will discuss what happens when you restrict someone on Instagram, how it affects your account’s engagement, the dos and don’ts of restriction, and the reasons why it can be a positive or negative experience.
What Happens When You Restrict Someone on Instagram: A Complete Guide
Restricting someone on Instagram means limiting their interactions with you on the platform. They won’t receive any notifications of your activities, won’t be able to see your Instagram stories or posts, and their comments on your posts will only be visible to them.
To restrict someone on Instagram, go to their profile, click on the three dots on the top right corner of the screen, and then click “Restrict.”
Restricted users can still see your comments on other users’ posts, but they won’t be able to see your username or your profile. They also can’t message you directly or mention you in their posts or stories.
If the restricted user tries to send you a direct message, it will be sent to your “message requests” section instead of your inbox. You can choose to allow or delete the message, and the user won’t be notified either way.
To remove someone from your restricted list, go to their profile, click on the three dots on the top right corner of the screen, and then click “Remove from Restricted.”
Why Restricting Someone on Instagram Can Be a Good Thing
Restricting someone on Instagram can have various positive effects on your online experience. Here are some reasons why:
Protection from Cyberbullying and Harassment
Restricting someone on Instagram can be a useful tool for anyone experiencing cyberbullying or harassment. It can limit the contact you have with the person and prevent them from leaving harmful comments on your profile or direct messages. By restricting someone, you can take back control of your online presence and reduce the negative impact it can have on your mental health.
Maintaining a Positive Digital Environment
Restricting someone can help create a positive digital environment by reduced negativity and unwanted attention. It can create a safer and healthier online space where you can focus on positive interactions.
Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with the Restricted User
Restricting someone doesn’t necessarily mean ending the relationship entirely. Use it instead of blocking when you want to avoid unwanted attention from that person, but still want them on your follower list. Instagram restriction can lead to mending of damaged relationships following complete estrangement.
Prevention of Unwanted Attention
Restricting someone will help you keep your personal information private and prevent people from gathering information about you. Restriction can also stop people from continuously asking you for personal information and protect you from spammers or scammers. When you restrict someone, their comments on your posts will not alert other followers of activity, hence protecting your privacy.
The Dark Side of Restricting Someone on Instagram – Pitfalls to Avoid
Although restricting someone on Instagram can have its benefits, it’s essential to avoid the following pitfalls:
Creating a Digital Wall Often Breeds Hostility
Restricting someone can create a digital wall between the user and their followers that can lead to hostility. The more a person is ignored, the greater the anger and resentment they develop towards you. Restricting someone could escalate negative interactions into an unnecessarily hostile environment.
Losing Followers When Restricting Someone
Restricting users may result in losing followers for both the restricted user and the account that restricted them. A restricted user may decide to unfollow you, and other followers may stop following if they notice a lack of interaction on your Instagram profile.
Creating a Hostile Environment between You and the Restricted User
Restricting someone can lead to cold war, especially among family or friends. Restriction on Instagram can bleed into other forms of communication and become a topic of tension. People who restrict others should expect potential hostility from that user in other areas of communication, such as texting or in person.
How Restricting Someone on Instagram Affects Your Account’s Engagement
When you restrict someone, it can affect your account’s engagement, which is dependent on the Instagram algorithm. Here’s how:
How the Instagram Algorithm Works
The Instagram algorithm prioritizes content based on interests, engagement, timeliness, and consistently high-quality content. The algorithm prioritizes the content of users whom you interact with frequently. If a person is on your restriction list, the algorithm assumes less interaction, and visibility of new posts is diminished due to lower engagement.
Reduction of Engagement and Reach
Restricting an account means that both accounts would interact with each other less, and their mutual engagement will reduce to a bare minimum. Lines of communication are cut, which results in loss of engagement for both accounts.
Rebuilding Your Reputation
Restricting has consequences for the reputation of both parties. If the restricted user leaves hurtful comments before or after the restriction, then this affects your reputation and the experience of your other followers’ experience. Building a reputation back to its former glory can be demanding, and it’s recommended to maintain a positive online presence by focusing on high-quality content.
Unwanted Attention on Instagram? Here’s How Restricting Certain Users Can Help
Building boundaries and creating safe spaces
Restricting on Instagram is essential for creating safe spaces on the platform. By having a set of digital boundaries, you can avoid unwanted attention from people who would like to push the envelope. Creating these boundaries creates a safe space for you to engage with people you can trust.
Blocking harmful comments and followers
Restricting users on Instagram stops them from reaching your audience, and as such harmful comments are contained. Restriction prevents followers from seeing abusive content from harmful users.
Maintaining a healthy online presence
Restriction is an important tool for maintaining a healthy online presence by keeping undesirable attention and unwanted interactions at bay. Maintaining a positive online presence with regular interaction with a trusted network ensures that unwanted attention doesn’t affect your mental health positively.
Effectively Limiting Cyberbullying on Instagram Through User Restriction
Identifying and Dealing With Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a type of behavior involving the use of technology to harass, bully, or target another person with threats, defamation, and deceitful comments. The use of filters and emails to flag these activities is necessary for reporting to Instagram authorities if it continues.
The Effects of Cyberbullying on Mental Health
Cyberbullying can have severe effects on the mental health of users who are targeted. It could lead to anxiety, depression, or even suicidal behavior. The negative comments that arise from cyberbullying can be detrimental to one’s own sense of self-worth and confidence.
Preventing Cyberbullying Through Restriction
Restriction is one of the best ways to stop cyberbullying on Instagram. It limits the contact a bully might have towards a victim on a personal basis, while still maintaining an active profile. It cuts the spread of any negative attention and reduces the escalation of the situation by creating a peaceful digital environment for all users.
The Dos and Don’ts of Restricting Someone on Instagram
Things to Do When You’re About to Restrict Someone
Notify the user privately before restricting them. It’s recommended to explain why you’re taking this decision if it could cause unnecessary tension. Restricting a friend or a relative can strain the relationship considerably, so explaining your points could be helpful. If the user is a minor, a parent or a guardian should be notified before the restriction.
Things to Avoid When Restricting Someone
Avoid restricting people you don’t know, as they could retaliate with negative comments to make their presence felt. Also, refrain from using phrases like “You won’t be able to see my posts anymore” or similar statements that could provoke aggressive or hostile behavior.
How to Maintain a Neutral Stance
Maintain a neutral tone while restricting someone. It’s important to stay calm and composed while explaining your reasons for the restriction. Arguing or getting into debates can lead to negativity, which can aggravate an already tense situation.
Conclusion
Overall, restricting someone on Instagram can be a useful tool for controlling your online presence. By knowing the pros and cons of using the restriction feature, you can create a safe space for your online interactions. Essential points to consider include notifying the user before restricting them, keeping a neutral stance, and avoiding instigation of any sentiment. As cyberbullying is on the rise, using the restriction feature could be necessary while maintaining a healthy online presence.
