Isn’t Instagram’s “Close Friends” Feature Just A Group DM?


Instagram is rolling out a new “Close Friends” feature that will allow you to post Instagram Stories that only your chosen list of friends can watch. The new feature will look something along the lines of the old platform, except that the updated version will feature green circles around your friend’s profile photos that indicate they’ve shared a private story with you. Here’s an image from Instagram of the new “Close Friends” list:

 

Isn't Instagram's "Close Friends" Feature Just A Group DM?

Instagram

 

“Instagram Stories has become the place to express yourself and share everyday moments,” Instagram writes in a press release, adding, “With Close Friends, you have the flexibility to share more personal moments with a smaller group that you choose.”

 

Buzzfeed points out that the “Close Friends” will effectively kill the need for finsta-grams. But, this feature also seems like a very indirect, and impersonal way to share something with your closest friends. This new feature passively pops-up as you’re scrolling through people’s Instagram stories, whereas a Direct Message allows you to send something to your friends instantly, and it notifies them. Another thing: it adds a layer of voyeurism to you and your close friends lives. And, who really cares about that?

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