Instagram has rolled out a new feature designed to help college students connect with others on their campuses. The launch follows closely on the heels of TikTok, which introduced a nearly identical option just a week earlier.
How the Feature Works
Students in the U.S. can now add their college or university to their profile banner. To do so, they’ll need to verify their student status through the platform UNiDAYS. Once verified, their school name appears on their profile, with control over who can see it.
Browsing the Student Directory
After adding their school, students gain access to a searchable directory of other confirmed students. They can explore the entire student body or filter by year, making it easier to find classmates and peers. Instagram says this feature is intended to simplify the process of forming campus connections.
Echoes of Facebook’s Early Days
The new additions from both Instagram and TikTok harken back to Facebook’s origins in 2004, when the platform was initially created as a way for Harvard students to connect with one another. These moves signal a return to the idea of fostering exclusive campus-based communities.
Privacy Considerations
While the feature may be useful for those looking to meet new people, it does raise potential privacy concerns. Making one’s school visible could make it easier for others to track users online. However, Instagram has made the feature optional, allowing students to opt out if they prefer to keep their social media presence separate from their student identity.
Mixed Reactions Expected
Although many students may welcome the opportunity to connect more easily, others could see this as another layer adding to Instagram’s already crowded app experience.
