Facebook hiding the number of likes on posts to ease social pressure

Facebook on Friday said it began hiding number of "likes" for posts in Australia, a trial designed to ease social pressure that could be rolled out worldwide. Account-holders across country will also be blocked from viewing number of reactions and video views on or people's posts from Friday, but will still be able to see how people respond to ir own.

"We don't want Facebook to feel like a competition," company said in a statement.

"This is a test to see how people eng with this new format." "We hope to learn from this over time in order to see if we will roll this out more broadly." More than one billion people use Facebook worldwide, but social media giant has come under pressure to combat platform's impact on mental health.

Instagram hides number of likes on photos in more countries, could India be next?

Could India be next?

In Australia, one in five children report experiencing cyberbullying, according to country's eSafety commissioner. problem received national attention last year when a 14-year-old girl - who starred in adverts of an iconic Australian hat brand - killed herself after being bullied online. Facebook's decision comes after it launched a trial in July to hide "likes" on company's or major social media platform, Instagram. What began as a test on Instagram in Canada was expanded to Australia, Brazil and several or major markets. Facebook trial was described as "a limited test in order for us to get some early learnings."

After Instagram, w Facebook wants to hide likes count? Maybe

"While this has been testing on Instagram, Facebook and (Instagram) are different surfaces and we will likely see different data come from this test." social media giant did t confirm how long trial would run for.

"We want to understand from people wher removing total counts improves ir experience, while also t limiting any positive interactions," said Mia Garlick, of Facebook Australia.

Does Facebook want to limit Instagram to your 'close friends'? Maybe

(Except for headlines, or changes were made to original PTI story)