Meet Instagram’s Kid: Threads

What is Instagram’s new app?

Instagram has released a new app called Threads. It's like Twitter - more focused on conversations than pictures or videos.

The app looks similar to Instagram's comment section. One can reply and share articles, just like on Twitter. Users can write longer posts than what is possible on Twitter. Someone can also post videos up to 5 minutes long.

Threads cannot be edited. There are no hashtags or a trending section. Threads doesn't let someone search for people to follow, like on Twitter, where one can find tweets and interesting topics using a search engine.

How can someone access this new app?

The Threads app is now available in India on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. One just needs to log in with their Instagram account to use it.

The person joining Threads must be over the age of 12. If not an adult (which means you), they must get permission from their parents to use it. Users under the age of 18 will be given a private profile. This is done to protect their privacy.

Someone who has used Twitter can use the Threads app easily. After its launch, the app was downloaded 40 million times (whoa!).

What are Twitter’s views about Threads?

Threads is facing legal issues hours after its launch. Twitter has threatened to sue Meta, the parent company of Instagram. They claim that Threads is a copy of Twitter and that Meta hired former Twitter employees who had access to secret Twitter information to make the app.

Twitter has asked Meta to stop using any Twitter information to improve and further develop Threads. In response, Meta has denied having any former Twitter employees on the Threads team. We'll have to wait and see how both companies handle this problem.

How can you use social media safely?

First of all, you should take permission from your parents to use social media. To keep your social media accounts safe, create a strong password. Don't use passwords like your name or birth date. Instead, use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for a stronger password.

Don't share personal details online, like your full name, address, phone number, or school name. These details can help others find out who you are. Always ask your parents for help when creating social media accounts. Only connect with people you actually know, and don’t talk to strangers (no matter how friendly).

If you face online bullying on social media, tell your parents. They can help you. Also, never bully others online. It's important to also spend time doing other things like playing sports, reading, and being with family and friends. These are some steps to use social media safely. 

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