Nov 9, 2019 - Technology

Instagram CEO plans to test hiding "likes" in app next week

Instagram and Threads. Photo: Chesnot/Getty Images

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said the social media company plans to test hiding "likes" within the app for some U.S. users starting next week, Wired reports.

What he's saying: Mosseri made the announcement Friday at WIRED25 while discussing "why it’s important for social media platforms to take responsibility for the safety and well-being of the people who frequent them," per Wired.

  • Mosseri has described previous "like"-less tests as an effort to create a “less pressurized environment."

The big picture: Facebook tested a similar feature in Australia, and Twitter has played with concealing likes and retweets in a limited prototype version of its new mobile app "twttr." Instagram has already tested camouflaging its likes in Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy and Australia.

  • Snapchat's Evan Spiegel criticized the "likes" system on social media for spurring fake news in a 2017 Axios op-ed.
  • Concerns over the negative impact of broad social media use have increased in recent years with rising reports of teen suicide, depression and cyberbullying.

Go deeper: New fake-news worry for Instagram

Go deeper

Orion Rummler
13 hours ago - Health

15 states broke single-day coronavirus records this week

Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 13 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
  3. States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
  4. Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
  5. Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
  6. World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
  7. Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
  8. 1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Rashaan Ayesh
13 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow