This week Instagram announced the introduction of the Pronoun option on user profiles. This has been a much-awaited and very necessary feature that ensures Instagram is a place for inclusivity. It has been overdue and hopefully, we will see it transfer to other social media platforms. following suit.
The new feature functions as a tool to select any given pronoun and be displayed on one’s Instagram bio; however, users must update their devices to the most recent iOS to access the feature.
How to add the new pronoun feature
Users can then tap into the “Edit Profile” button and select the “Pronouns” field in the list of options. People can add up to four pronoun options to make people aware of how they should be properly addressed. After entering your pronouns you can save it or only choose to show it to your followers. Your entered and preferred pronouns will then appear in light grey to the right of your name.
Future for pronoun feature
Instagram—owner of Twitter—also offered insight that the feature for Twitter is operating in some countries (United States and the United Kingdom) with plans to expand worldwide.
It’s likely that many social media platforms will follow suit in adding pronoun features into their software.
What this pronoun feature means for society
Making this feature available across social platforms is so important because it de-stigmatizes the consideration of pronouns. It’s important to remember that appearance does not equate to gender identity, therefore it’s essential to give people the opportunity to let others know who they are and how they should be addressed.
As more people continue to fill in and use the Instagram pronoun feature, the action of cisgender people stating their pronouns will further normalize and de-stigmatize the sharing of pronouns. Everyone deserves to be referred to by their own personal identity so it’s important other social medias implement a similar feature.
Featured image source from: Twitter/ @Instagram
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