Instagram announces new features to help support users affected by eating disorders

Instagram is rolling out new features to help users of its platform who may be affected by a negative body image or an eating disorder, the company announced.

Previously, Instagram had limited its policy to hiding content that can cause users to suffer from an eating disorder, but the new policy adds to this with the goal of displaying more expert-backed resources when people search for content related to the issues.

While we do not allow content that promotes or encourages self-harm and eating disorders, we do allow people to share their own experiences and journeys around self-image and acceptance of the body. We know these stories can spark important conversations and support the community, but they can also spark some. To address this, when someone tries to find or share content related to self-harm, we are currently blurring potentially triggering images and directing people to helpful resources. However, we have heard from experts that we would be more supportive of people if we made dedicated resources available to deal with eating disorders or body dissatisfaction, so we are introducing new resources specific to body image issues.

In the future, US users looking for content related to topics such as eating disorder recovery will now see links to integrated resources provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), with equivalent links to local helplines in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Similarly, links to these resources will be highlighted if someone tries to share this content or if a friend is concerned about something they see posted and wants to offer support. In the coming weeks, Instagram will also make connecting with friends easier by adding the ability to send messages on Instagram directly from the resources above.

Additionally, the Facebook-owned company says it will host feedback sessions with community leaders and experts globally to learn more about emerging issues in the eating disorder space and new approaches to offering support. It is also working with NEDA to share programming during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the US for the third year in a row.

Instagram has more resources available online for anyone who wants to learn more about supporting a friend who may be struggling with any of the above issues.