Instagram to Reveal How Much Time You're Spending in the App

Instagram is developing a new "Usage Insights" tool that'll show you how much time you've spent over the product. "Any time should be positive and intentional," CEO Kevin Systrom said in a tweet.

Systrom confirmed the feature after a developer named Jane Manchun Wong dug into the computer code of Instagram's mobile app and noticed an upcoming "Usage Insights" section under testing. A line of computer code for the feature mentions the words "time_spent," Wong said in a tweet.

The feature comes as parent company Facebook has also been talking up the need to promote quality content that doesn't waste people's time.

According to Facebook's own research, passively consuming information on social media, without interacting with anyone, can make you feel worse about yourself. Others, including students and investors, have been calling on tech companies like Apple to build controls that can help lessen smartphone use.

"Understanding how time online impacts people is important, and it's the responsibility of all companies to be honest about this," Systrom tweeted on Tuesday. "We want to be part of the solution. I take that responsibility seriously."

So far, Instagram hasn't said when the Usage Insights tool will arrive, but it isn't the only company trying to address tech addiction. Last week, Google said Android P will introduce a new dashboard that'll break down how much time you've spent on your smartphone and in which apps.

In addition, Android P will contain a new "app timer" and "wind down" feature that can help you limit your smartphone consumption.

:story: PC Magazine