Instagram Take Steps to Address Unethical/Harmful Wildlife Photography
We’ve all seen photos online at some point which show a
beaming holiday-goer or traveller happily embracing an exotic wild creature,
with koalas, sloths, and dolphins being particularly prevalent targets of such
activities. Over recent years awareness has thankfully begun to spread
concerning the fact that in many cases, the subjects of these photos are
subjected to harm and cruelty all in the name of a like-worthy snap.
Instagram, given its image-focused nature, is a natural home
for such content, but the company are now taking steps to stop the spread of
material on their platform which hay be harmful to animals or the environment.
“We care about our community, including the animals and the
wildlife that are an important part of the platform,” Instagram’s Emily Cain
told National Geographic. “I think it’s important for the community right now to be more
aware. We’re trying to do our part to educate them.”
Following the announced update, if you attempt to search for
several hundred terms deemed to include content which is potentially harmful to
the animal subjects of the associated photos or the environment as a whole, the
app will throw up a flag saying “Protect Wildlife on Instagram”, explaining
that “you are searching for a hashtag that may be associated with posts that
encourage harmful behaviour to animals or the environment”. After being
presented with this rather blunt message are you able to see posts, learn more,
or cancel the operation.
It is hoped that the presence of such warnings will make
people pause and reflect, as explained by Cassandra Koenen, head of wildlife
campaigns at World Animal Protection, who worked on the list with Instagram.
“If someone’s behaviour is interrupted,” says Koenen, “hopefully
they’ll think, ‘maybe there’s something more here’, or ‘maybe I shouldn’t just
automatically like something or forward something or repost something if Instagram
is saying to me there’s a problem with this photo’.”
Instagram have not disclosed which hashtags have been
flagged for such treatment as they wanted users to find them organically
through their normal use of the platform. They also want to prevent those who
intentionally use the platform to facilitate illicit wildlife practices from
being able to pre-emptively get around the warnings.
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers.
Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that
'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @Songbird_Sam
Contact
us on Twitter,
on Facebook, or
leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or
management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Instagram Take Steps to Address Unethical/Harmful Wildlife Photography
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.