By Zainab Shafiq 
Instagram appears to be following in the footsteps of WhatsApp and Twitter by considering the introduction of a feature that allows users to disable the seen status for direct messages, as revealed by well-known leaker Alessandro Paluzzi. According to Paluzzi, this new option, “Disable seen status,” will find its place in the privacy and safety section within Instagram settings, positioned conveniently alongside the Vanish mode option.
Interestingly, Instagram’s decision to incorporate this feature comes after a considerable delay, given that the direct message section hasn’t been a top priority for the platform, primarily known for its focus on visual content sharing rather than being a messaging platform.
Nonetheless, the addition of this feature could prove valuable to Instagram users, as seen statuses have already gained immense popularity on other platforms like WhatsApp. This move reflects the platform’s responsiveness to user preferences and aligns Instagram’s direct messaging capabilities with the evolving expectations of its user base.