Link:Instagram to hide “likes” for some U.S. usersLinks to an external site. Key

Link:Instagram to hide “likes” for some U.S. usersLinks to an external site.
Key Marketing Topics Addressed: Social Media, Consumer Wellbeing, Influencers
Question:
What does Instagram gain by implementing a new policy where the number of likes is hidden to other users? How do you believe investors of Instagram will respond to this news?
Question:
How will this new policy impact influencers or other businesses that rely on Instagram popularity for profit?
Question:
There has been a trend of social networking and technology companies initiating features or policies to protect consumer wellbeing. For example, Apple recently launched a “time spent” feature which limits users’ time on certain apps. To what extent is a company responsible for its users’ mental health and ensuring a safe online environment?
Other Relevant Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/14/tech/instagram-hiding-likes-globally/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-09/instagram-will-remove-likes-from-posts-for-some-u-s-usersLinks to an external site.
https://time.com/5629705/instagram-removing-likes-test/Links to an external site.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolemartin1/2019/04/30/instagram-may-be-getting-rid-of-likes-on-platform/#295cb68831d1Links to an external site.