Instagram users are hitting out at plans to ban likes and hide them from the view of others as the social media firm begins trial of the controversial feature. Instagram Australia's Director of Policy Mia Garlick said: 'We want Instagram to be a place where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. He said the end of likes does not mean the end of influencers - because brands and businesses can still see how many views and likes they get. An Instagram spokesman said: 'For businesses and creators on Instagram, this test will not affect measurement tools like Insights or Ads Manager'. In addition, studies have shown that increased time spent on social media can lead to feelings of loneliness, social anxiety and social isolation.

Source: Daily Mail July 18, 2019 08:08 UTC