This is either the greatest or worst day in Instagram history, as the photo-sharing social network has added a direct messaging system similar to the one featured on Twitter.
While many Instagram users have been calling for the implementation of such a system for years, some detractors say this will be detrimental for the social network, considering it will inevitably lead to unwanted messages.
A private conversation can be started by sending a photo to either an individual or a group, and then it can be followed by written messages.
Instagram Direct was debuted at a press conference today in New York by Instagram founder Kevin Systrom through a video showing people sharing fun moments with each other when they couldn’t spend them together in person.
But let’s be realistic: this is just the next advancement in sexting. Gone are the days of going to an old photo on someone’s Instagram, leaving your phone number in a comment, and waiting until you receive a text to delete it. (What, I’m the only one who did that?).
Similarly to Twitter, people who mutually follow each other can freely send each other direct messages. The difference is that people who you DON’T follow can send you direct messages, but they appear as a request rather than landing directly in your inbox. Should you accept, a private conversation will be started with the initial photo.
Are you excited for the new update, or will you hold onto the old version without direct messaging?
