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New features being added to Instagram and Twitter
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Twitter and Instagram are both making changes to their social media networks to make it more enjoyable for users. - photo by Lindsey Johnson
On Monday, Sept. 12, Instagram implemented a new feature available to all users that will allow them to filter words they consider abusive from their posts comments.

The new keyword moderation tool can be accessed in the gear icon on a users profile, where they will be led to a comments tool. Users will see a page where they can list words they consider offensive or inappropriate, which will then be hidden from comments on their posts, according to Instagram.

Users can also use a default list of words or phrases Instagram has provided.

This tool is in addition to Instagrams existing features of deleting comments, reporting inappropriate comments and blocking accounts.

Earlier this summer, Instagram started allowing high-profile users to ban selected words from appearing in comments on their posts. Celebrities such as Chrissy Tiegen posted on social media about taking part in this new feature.

The companys founders announced on Sept. 12 that with the growth of the online community, Instagram considers it their responsibility to maintain a positive and safe environment for users.

To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment, Kevin Systrom, CEO and co-founder of Instagram wrote in an Instagram news release. So, today, were taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself.

Twitter is also making improvements to its social media network. Since Twitters conception, tweets have had a limit of 140 characters, recently including photos, videos, Vines and more.

This past May, Twitter announced plans to allow users to get more use out of their 140 character limit by excluding user mentions, photos, videos or polls from tweet character counts.

The Verge reported that Twitter will implement these changes on Sept. 19.