Social media is forever changing which makes it easy to miss an update from time to time. Twice a month, we look into three of the latest key updates from the past few weeks from the various social media giants. Here’s what’s been happening recently…

Facebook Provides New Tips on How to Set Boundaries in Messenger to Avoid Harmful Interactions

With messaging becoming an even more important connection tool over the past year, that’s also increased negative interactions in messaging apps, and harmful exchanges, which can cause significant mental and emotional impacts, whether intentional or not.

With this in mind, Facebook recently worked with psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos to establish a new framework designed to help users set healthy boundaries for their DM interactions, and avoid potentially concerning chats – which, really, is key info for any messaging user to have.

As you can see in the above tree diagram, Facebook’s overview outlines how users can identify concerning interactions, and when they should take a step back. The overview also points to the various tools in Messenger, including its block and report functions, establishing a simple process to help users better manage these situations.

As explained by Messenger: “Sometimes, people can overstep our boundaries online – whether they mean to or not. To spot the warning signs, Dr. Papadopoulos says: “It might sound basic, but check your own temperature – how am I feeling? Am I feeling anxious? Am I noticing my feelings change? If you feel a bit worse about yourself every time you speak to a certain person – or if even thinking about speaking to that person makes you feel anxious – that’s a huge red flag.”

You can download a larger version of the decision tree graphic here.