Instagram finally makes long-awaited change to DMs

Rule number one of ghosting is that you leave no trace behind.

If the spark just isn't there, you abruptly cut off all communication without any warning, explanation or evidence.

You could have lost your phone, emigrated, or had a grisly accident. It's up to them to decide.

But many people end up giving themselves away by accidentally clicking on an unopened message in their DMs. Now they think you're just an a**hole.

The pesky read receipts let your spurned lover know you are in fact alive and are, well, just blatantly ignoring them.

However, there is good news for serial ghosters - as Instagram seem to have listened to the pleas of people who regularly do a disappearing act.

The social media giant is set to introduce an option which will finally allow you to disable read receipts in your DMs.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg and Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri revealed that the feature is currently being tested - while giving fans a sneak peak of the setup.

Adam Mosseri/Instagram

But the pair have kept schtum about a possible release date, so don't start excessively blanking everyone just yet.

Users will be able to switch the 'seen' label off with the click of a button, meaning the receiver will have no idea when you read it.

Mosseri revealed the news on his Instagram broadcast channel, which came much to the delight of many social media users.

He said: "We heard your feedback and have started testing a new feature that lets you turn read receipts off in your DMs.

"Soon, people will be able to choose when to let others see when they’ve read their messages."

It remains unclear when the rollout of the read receipts update will actually begin, as 'soon' is pretty ambiguous.

But Zuckerberg joked in his post: "If you're someone who leaves people on read: your day has come."

To activate the feature, users apparently would simply head to the Privacy and Safety settings.

Getty Stock Image

Under the category titled 'Who can see your activity', there is a toggle next to the words 'Read receipts'.

The description underneath explains: "Others can see when you've read their messages. Vanish mode messages always send read receipts."

Simply switch it off and ignore whoever you like to your hearts content.

The majority of people welcomed the news, with many saying it's 'about time' they brought the option in.

One said: "Finally, some good news."

Another wrote: "Twitter did it first but we appreciate the effort!"

A third added: "Much needed feature."

But others weren't as keen on the idea, with some complaining they would no longer know when they were being pied.

One penned: "Well, that's no fun."

A second said: "Nooo my toxic can't take this!"

And a final user commented: "Oh so now I can't even tell when I'm being ignored."

Topics: Instagram, Social Media, Mark Zuckerberg

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_