Instagram has added tools that will help you stamp out trolling in an attempt to create a more positive space for people to share their photos and videos.

First, Instagram will add the ability to turn off comments from your posts. This means you’ll be able to post a photo or video and avoid any nasty utterances by not allowing any comments to be posted at all.

This is being spread to users gradually over the next few weeks. To turn comments off, tap “Advanced Settings” before you post and then select “Turn Off Commenting.” You can also tap the “…” menu any time after posting to turn commenting back on.

In September, Instagram allowed users to block certain keywords from being displayed in comments on their posts.

Instagram is also mimicking Facebook by allowing you to like comments on posts by tapping the heart icon that appear next to them.

For those with private or “locked” accounts who have to approve requests to be followed before anyone can follow them, you can now also remove people from account (in case they start offending you or you just don’t want them to follow you anymore).

This can easily be done by tapping the “…” menu next to any person’s name. The person will not be notified that you removed them as a follower.

Lastly, the service has also added the ability to help out to friends who may be contemplating suicide by making an anonymous SOS report, after which Instagram will connect the friend in question to support organisations to assist.

“These updates still mark the beginning. We will continue to work to maintain Instagram as a welcoming and safe place for everyone,” Instagram co-founder and CEO, Kevin Systrom said.

[Image – CC by 2.0/Pixabay]