The capability to retract a sent communication from a recipient’s view within the Instagram messaging system addresses a common user need. It reflects the desire to correct errors, remove potentially regrettable statements, or manage information shared in private conversations. The action involves removing the message from both the sender’s and the receiver’s chat window, effectively erasing its visibility. A user might employ this function after sending a message to the wrong person or realizing the content was inappropriate.
This function grants users increased control over their digital interactions, enabling them to mitigate the consequences of impulsive or ill-considered communications. Historically, once a digital message was sent, it was permanently recorded and accessible to the recipient. The advent of message retraction features signifies a shift towards greater user agency and the ability to curate one’s digital footprint. This empowers users to maintain a desired level of privacy and accuracy in their personal communications.
The following sections will delve into the specific mechanisms and limitations of this action within the Instagram environment, exploring the procedures for execution, any potential notifications delivered to the recipient, and the overall implications for privacy and communication norms on the platform. Furthermore, it will consider alternative strategies for managing messaging content and minimizing the need for such actions.
1. Message deletion
Message deletion is the core mechanism that underpins the capability to “unread” a sent communication within the Instagram messaging system. It’s the technical process by which a sender attempts to remove previously sent content from the recipient’s view, effectively reversing the act of sending the message.
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Initiation by Sender
Message deletion is exclusively triggered by the message sender. The sender executes a command within the Instagram application, designating a specific message or messages for removal. This action signals the intent to retract the communication. For example, after sending an incorrect image to a contact, the sender can initiate a deletion request to prevent its further viewing. This highlights the sender’s control over content shared.
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Scope of Removal
Ideally, message deletion removes the selected content from both the sender’s and the recipient’s chat history. The aim is to erase the message from both sides of the conversation, achieving a symmetrical removal. However, discrepancies can occur if the recipient has already saved or captured the message content through screenshots or other means, undermining the intended effect. The content’s visibility beyond the Instagram platform can’t be controlled.
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Notification to Recipient
Instagram typically informs the recipient when a message has been deleted. This notification usually manifests as a system message within the chat, indicating that a message was unsent. While the original message content is removed, the notification serves as an artifact of the attempted retraction, alerting the recipient to the sender’s action. This action compromises privacy as sender intended.
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Temporal Limitations
The ability to delete a message is often subject to time constraints. Instagram might impose a window of opportunity, such as a limited number of hours or days, within which message deletion is permissible. After this period elapses, the sender may lose the ability to retract the message. This time limit serves to balance the sender’s need for control with the recipient’s expectation of permanence in communication records.
In conclusion, message deletion is the procedural cornerstone enabling the “unread” functionality on Instagram. Its effectiveness is influenced by factors like the recipient’s awareness, external capture of content, and temporal restrictions. The overall experience is nuanced, balancing control and privacy considerations for both the sender and the recipient.
2. Sender’s Action
The ability to retract a message on Instagram is fundamentally initiated by the sender. The sender’s action is the direct trigger for the process attempting to make a sent message unreadable to the recipient, thus the core functionality in determining if the capability is working or not.
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Intentional Message Selection
The sender must deliberately choose a specific message for removal. This is not an automated or system-wide function; it requires conscious selection by the user. For example, a user who accidentally sent a message containing sensitive information must actively choose that message and initiate the deletion process. This action demonstrates the sender’s awareness of the message’s content and the potential need for retraction.
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Activation of Deletion Command
Once a message is selected, the sender must activate the deletion command within the Instagram interface. This typically involves a specific gesture, such as a long press or tap on a menu option associated with the message. The activation of this command signals to Instagram’s servers the sender’s intent to remove the message from the conversation. The system then processes the request, attempting to remove the message from both the sender’s and the recipient’s view.
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Acceptance of Consequences
The sender’s action often carries certain consequences. Instagram typically notifies the recipient that a message has been unsent, even if the content remains unseen. This notification can create curiosity or suspicion on the recipient’s part, undermining the sender’s attempt to discreetly retract the message. The sender must accept that the act of unsending is not entirely invisible and may alter the dynamics of the communication.
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Adherence to Time Constraints
The sender’s ability to retract a message is usually subject to a time limit. Instagram may only allow messages to be unsent within a specific timeframe after they are initially sent. If the sender attempts to delete a message outside of this window, the action may be unsuccessful. Therefore, the sender must act promptly to remove any messages they regret sending. The promptness will decide if can you unread an instagram message works in this scenario
In summary, the sender’s action is the linchpin of the Instagram’s retracting messages. The sender’s choice, command activation, acceptance of the notification and reaction time all decides the results for unreading messages. The effects of which are influenced by message content, recipient behaviour and system limitation. The efficacy of the retraction is contingent upon these factors, which highlights the complexity of maintaining control over digital communication.
3. Recipient notification
Recipient notification is inextricably linked to the functionality of retracting messages on Instagram. It is a system-generated alert informing the recipient that the sender has removed a message from the conversation. This alert, though devoid of the original content, serves as an indicator of the sender’s actions and intentions.
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Alerting to Message Removal
The primary role of the recipient notification is to inform the recipient that a message was unsent. This notification typically appears within the chat interface as a system message. For instance, instead of displaying the original message, the chat will show a text stating that “This message was unsent.” This alerts the recipient that a communication attempt was made and then subsequently retracted by the sender. The presence of this notification alters the recipient’s perception of the conversation and can lead to speculation about the content of the removed message.
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Implications for Privacy
While the message removal feature aims to provide the sender with control over their shared content, the recipient notification inherently affects privacy. Even though the original message is no longer visible, the notification reveals that the sender took action to remove something. This creates a scenario where the recipient is aware of an attempt to redact communication, potentially raising questions or concerns. The act of sending and then unsending a message becomes a communication event in itself, regardless of the content’s visibility. Therefore, while you can unread an instagram message, the user will know about it.
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Impact on Communication Dynamics
The recipient notification can shift the power dynamics within a conversation. The sender’s action to retract a message, coupled with the notification, can create uncertainty for the recipient. The recipient might wonder about the message’s content, the reasons for its removal, and the sender’s motives. This uncertainty can lead to a change in the tone or direction of the conversation, as the recipient may become more cautious or inquisitive. The “can you unread an instagram message” functionality, therefore, indirectly shapes the flow of communication.
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Limitations of the Notification
The recipient notification provides limited information. It only indicates that a message was unsent, without disclosing the content of the message or the sender’s reasoning. This lack of context can sometimes exacerbate the impact of the notification. The recipient might assume the worst or misinterpret the sender’s intentions, leading to misunderstandings. Therefore, while the unread function removes the original content, the notification remains a permanent element of the conversation’s history, potentially influencing future interactions.
In summary, the recipient notification is a critical component of Instagram’s unread functionality. While the capability to remove a message offers a degree of control to the sender, the notification shapes the recipient’s perception of the communication and can introduce new dynamics into the interaction. The implementation of this notification highlights the inherent complexities of managing privacy and communication in digital spaces, with the unread message function leaving a distinct trace in the recipient’s awareness.
4. Time limitations
The ability to retract a sent message within Instagram is not unbounded; the functionality is intrinsically linked to a temporal constraint. These time limitations dictate the window within which a sender can successfully remove a message, thus directly influencing the practicality and effectiveness of the unsend feature.
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Window of Opportunity
Instagram imposes a specific timeframe during which a sender can delete a message. Once this window elapses, the option to retract the message is no longer available. The exact duration of this window can vary and is typically determined by Instagram’s internal policies. A sender who realizes they have sent sensitive information to the wrong recipient must act quickly to delete the message within the allowable timeframe. Failure to do so renders the content permanently visible to the recipient. This limitation imposes a degree of urgency on the sender’s actions.
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Impact on Spontaneous Communication
The existence of a time limitation affects spontaneous communication patterns. Users are compelled to be more deliberate and less impulsive in their messaging behavior, knowing that the option to retract a message is not perpetually available. A user might hesitate before sending a potentially controversial or ambiguous message, understanding that the window for correction is finite. This can lead to more thoughtful and considered digital interactions. Conversely, it may also induce anxiety about the permanence of sent messages.
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System-Determined Constraints
The specific duration of the time window is dictated by Instagram’s system parameters. This duration is not customizable by individual users and is subject to change based on platform updates or policy revisions. Users must remain aware of the prevailing limitations to effectively utilize the unsend feature. Furthermore, the exact duration is often not explicitly communicated to users within the app’s interface, necessitating empirical observation or reliance on external sources for clarification. This opaqueness contributes to user uncertainty.
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Technical Implementation Factors
The time limitation is technically enforced through server-side mechanisms that track the age of each message. Upon a deletion request, the system verifies whether the message falls within the permitted timeframe for retraction. If the message exceeds this age, the deletion request is denied. This technical implementation ensures that the unsend feature is not abused to retroactively alter long-standing communication records. The stability and accuracy of these server-side checks are critical to the consistent enforcement of the time limitation.
In conclusion, time limitations are a crucial aspect of Instagram’s message retraction feature. They influence user behavior, enforce system constraints, and shape the overall dynamics of digital communication on the platform. The specific duration of the allowed window dictates the practicality of the feature, while the technical implementation ensures its consistent application across all user interactions. The unread functionality is therefore not an absolute erasure but a time-sensitive opportunity to correct communication errors.
5. Content visibility
Content visibility forms the central concern when evaluating the utility of retracting a message on Instagram. The underlying objective is to manage what information is accessible to the recipient, shaping the interaction and controlling the flow of shared material. The efficacy of the unread function is directly tied to its ability to alter the recipient’s view of the transmitted content.
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Initial Message State
Prior to any action, the content exists in a state of full visibility to both the sender and the recipient. The message, whether text, image, or video, is fully rendered within the chat interface, allowing the recipient to view, interpret, and potentially save or share the content. This initial state represents the baseline from which any attempt to alter content visibility must deviate. The intended goal to unread an instagram message is to disrupt this initial state.
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Impact of Retraction Attempt
When a sender initiates a message deletion, the objective is to diminish or eliminate the content’s visibility. Ideally, the message is removed from both the sender’s and recipient’s chat windows, replacing it with a notification that the message was unsent. However, the success of this attempt is contingent on several factors. The recipient may have already viewed the message, captured a screenshot, or saved the content through external means. In such cases, the retraction is only partially effective, as the content remains accessible despite the deletion. The act of unsending therefore might not guarantee full invisibility.
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Residual Visibility Factors
Even after a message is successfully removed from the chat interface, residual visibility concerns remain. The recipient is notified that a message was unsent, creating awareness that a communication attempt occurred. This notification, while not revealing the original content, serves as a reminder of the interaction and can prompt curiosity or speculation. Furthermore, if the message was part of a broader conversation, its absence might create gaps or inconsistencies in the flow of dialogue. The impact of the retraction is thus not limited to the immediate visibility of the message itself but extends to the overall context of the communication.
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Control and Privacy Implications
The interplay between content visibility and message retraction underscores the inherent tension between control and privacy in digital communication. The sender seeks to control the information accessible to the recipient, while the recipient has an expectation of permanence and completeness in the record of their interactions. The unread function attempts to reconcile these competing interests, but its effectiveness is limited by technical constraints and user behavior. Ultimately, the ability to unread an instagram message offers a degree of control but does not guarantee absolute invisibility or erase the impact of the communication attempt. The user will know that there was something being unsent.
In summary, content visibility is the core concern addressed by the message retraction functionality. While the attempt to unread an instagram message aims to reduce the recipient’s access to the original content, various factors can limit its effectiveness. The interplay between initial visibility, retraction attempts, residual visibility concerns, and control/privacy implications underscores the complexity of managing digital communication and the impossibility of truly erasing a sent message from awareness.
6. Privacy implications
The ability to retract a message on Instagram, while offering a degree of control to the sender, raises several critical privacy implications for both parties involved in the communication. These implications stem from the manipulation of content visibility and the inherent imbalance of control created by the “can you unread an instagram message” functionality.
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Sender’s Perceived Privacy
The message unsend feature can create a false sense of privacy for the sender. While the sender might believe the message is completely erased from the recipient’s view, this is not always the case. The recipient may have already seen the message, taken a screenshot, or saved it elsewhere. Furthermore, the system’s notification that a message was unsent alerts the recipient to the sender’s action, thereby compromising the sender’s intended privacy. The unread functionality does not ensure complete discretion, only the illusion of it. This illusion creates its privacy implications, despite the use of the “can you unread an instagram message” function.
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Recipient’s Awareness of Redaction
The notification that a message was unsent directly impacts the recipient’s privacy. Even without knowing the content of the retracted message, the recipient is made aware that the sender attempted to redact communication. This knowledge can lead to speculation, mistrust, or anxiety, as the recipient wonders about the message’s contents and the sender’s motives. The very act of unsending a message becomes a communication event in itself, altering the dynamics of the interaction and affecting the recipient’s perception of privacy within the conversation. “Can you unread an instagram message” action may be the initiator of privacy concerns.
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Data Retention Policies
Even if a message is successfully unsent and removed from the chat interface, questions arise about data retention on Instagram’s servers. It remains unclear whether deleted messages are permanently erased from the platform’s databases or retained for a certain period for internal purposes, such as security monitoring or legal compliance. If deleted messages are stored, even temporarily, this raises concerns about the potential for unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information. The system’s architecture influences any answer about “can you unread an instagram message.”
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Third-Party Tools and Exploits
The existence of third-party tools and exploits designed to recover or view deleted messages poses a further threat to privacy. These tools, often operating outside the bounds of Instagram’s intended functionality, can potentially bypass the unsend feature and allow users to access content that was meant to be erased. The availability of such tools undermines the sender’s expectation of privacy and highlights the vulnerability of digital communication to unauthorized access. Even “can you unread an instagram message” function can be exploited to third parties for data mining.
In conclusion, while the ability to unread a message on Instagram attempts to grant senders greater control over their communications, it simultaneously introduces a range of privacy implications for both senders and recipients. The imperfect nature of the feature, coupled with data retention policies and the potential for third-party exploitation, means that the “can you unread an instagram message” functionality does not guarantee complete privacy and can, in some cases, exacerbate privacy concerns.
7. Functional limitations
The ability to retract a message on Instagram is subject to several functional limitations that impact the effectiveness and reliability of this feature. These limitations, inherent in the design and implementation of the messaging system, prevent the “can you unread an instagram message” functionality from being a perfect or absolute erasure of communication.
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Visibility Prior to Deletion
A primary limitation is the inability to prevent the recipient from viewing the message before it is deleted. If the recipient has already seen the message, its content has been conveyed, regardless of subsequent retraction. The “can you unread an instagram message” action only removes the message from the chat interface; it cannot erase the recipient’s memory or understanding of the content. For example, a sender may mistakenly send an inappropriate image, but if the recipient views it before the message is deleted, the damage is done.
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Screenshotting and Saving
The recipient can circumvent the intended effect of the unsend feature by taking a screenshot or saving the message content through other means. Instagram does not prevent users from capturing the screen, effectively creating a permanent record of the message outside the chat interface. In such cases, the “can you unread an instagram message” action is rendered ineffective, as the content remains accessible to the recipient. For instance, a sender might retract a controversial statement, but if the recipient has already taken a screenshot, the statement can still be circulated.
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Notification of Unsent Message
The system’s implementation of a notification informing the recipient that a message was unsent introduces another limitation. While the notification does not reveal the content of the retracted message, it alerts the recipient to the sender’s action, creating awareness of an attempt to redact communication. This notification can trigger curiosity, suspicion, or mistrust, undermining the sender’s intent to discreetly erase the message. The notification is permanent unless the entire conversation is deleted. Hence “can you unread an instagram message” function does not remove traces.
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Technical Glitches and Inconsistencies
Technical glitches and inconsistencies in the messaging system can also limit the reliability of the unsend feature. Occasionally, messages may not be successfully deleted, or the deletion process may be delayed. These technical issues can result in the message remaining visible to the recipient for an extended period, despite the sender’s attempt to retract it. The effectiveness of “can you unread an instagram message” action depends on Instagram’s tech stack and algorithms being executed without any glitch.
These functional limitations highlight that the “can you unread an instagram message” feature is not a foolproof solution for erasing digital communications. It offers a degree of control to the sender but is subject to circumvention by the recipient and technical imperfections in the system. A full, permanent and total removal of messages cannot be delivered, the function has limitations to fulfill the sender’s action.
8. Alternative strategies
The ability to retract a message on Instagram is not without limitations, creating a need for alternative strategies to manage communication effectively. Considering potential ramifications before sending a message, editing messages or using features to clarify ambiguous texts are examples of such strategies. These approaches aim to prevent the necessity for message retraction in the first place, acknowledging that the “can you unread an instagram message” function is not a perfect solution. The implementation of proactive measures can mitigate the need for reactive solutions, such as retracting messages after they have been sent. A sender who carefully reviews a message for accuracy and appropriateness before sending it reduces the likelihood of needing to use the unsend function. This proactive approach contrasts with the reactive measure of retracting a message only after realizing an error.
Alternative strategies extend beyond simply avoiding the need for retraction. Employing features such as disappearing messages, designed for ephemeral communication, avoids leaving any record of the exchange. These features can be employed when the content is sensitive or intended for limited viewing. Editing the sent message to remove errors, add clarification or re-write the message would be a better approach compared to deleting the message. Clear and direct communication, along with mindful consideration of the recipient and the message’s content, reduces the likelihood of misinterpretations or regrets. Senders also have the option to set a timer for viewing the message, giving the recipient time constraint to see the messages and then they disappear.
These alternative strategies highlight a proactive approach to communication management. The “can you unread an instagram message” function serves as a reactive measure when errors occur. By focusing on preemptive strategies, the necessity for relying on the retraction feature is minimized. These measures not only reduce the reliance on retraction tools but also promote responsible and thoughtful communication habits, thereby fostering improved digital interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Message Retraction on Instagram
The following questions address common concerns and misconceptions regarding the ability to unsend messages on Instagram. The answers provide a clear, informative overview of the functionality and its limitations.
Question 1: Does using the “can you unread an instagram message” feature guarantee the recipient will not see the content?
No, the function does not guarantee the content remains unseen. If the recipient viewed the message before the sender initiated the retraction, the content has already been conveyed. The feature removes the message from the chat interface but does not erase the recipient’s memory or understanding.
Question 2: Is there a time limit for using the “can you unread an instagram message” function?
Yes, a time limit applies. Instagram allows messages to be unsent only within a specific timeframe after they are initially sent. Once this window elapses, the option to retract the message is no longer available. The exact duration is determined by Instagram and is subject to change.
Question 3: Does the recipient receive any notification when a message is unsent?
Yes, the recipient receives a notification. The chat interface displays a system message indicating that a message was unsent. The notification reveals that the sender took action to remove communication, even though the original content is not visible.
Question 4: Can the recipient recover an unsent message?
Officially, Instagram does not provide a mechanism for recipients to recover unsent messages. However, third-party tools and exploits exist that claim to recover deleted messages, though their reliability and legality are questionable.
Question 5: Are unsent messages permanently deleted from Instagram’s servers?
The fate of unsent messages on Instagram’s servers is not fully transparent. It is unclear whether deleted messages are permanently erased or retained for a period for internal purposes. This uncertainty raises privacy concerns about data retention.
Question 6: Can the “can you unread an instagram message” feature be used on all types of messages?
The function generally applies to all types of messages, including text, images, videos, and audio. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the message type and the recipient’s actions (e.g., saving an image).
In summary, while the message retraction feature offers a degree of control, it is not a foolproof solution for erasing digital communication. Limitations exist regarding timing, recipient awareness, and data retention. The “can you unread an instagram message” feature helps manage visibility of messages.
The subsequent discussion explores alternative communication strategies to avoid the need for message retraction.
Tips for Mindful Messaging on Instagram
Prudent communication practices are crucial for effective digital interaction. The following recommendations seek to minimize the reliance on the “can you unread an instagram message” function, fostering responsible messaging habits.
Tip 1: Proofread Before Sending: Prior to transmitting any message, meticulously review its content for accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness. Errors or ambiguities can necessitate message retraction. Take time before you take the action of sending a message.
Tip 2: Consider the Recipient: Tailor messages to the intended recipient’s understanding and sensitivities. Inappropriate language or content can lead to regrettable communications. For example, consider whether the message being sent contains content that the other side will not appreciate.
Tip 3: Avoid Impulsive Messaging: Refrain from sending messages in moments of heightened emotion. Hasty communications are often prone to errors or regrettable statements. This will save one from using the retracting action.
Tip 4: Utilize Drafts: Compose messages in a draft format before sending them. This allows for careful consideration and revision before the content is transmitted. The draft option will not be an option for regret.
Tip 5: Be Mindful of Context: Consider the overall context of the conversation and the potential for misinterpretation. Ambiguous messages can lead to unintended consequences. This improves the effectiveness of sending messages.
Tip 6: Limit Sensitive Information: Avoid sharing highly sensitive or confidential information via Instagram messaging, as the platform is not inherently secure. Take precautions on information being sent.
Tip 7: Use Disappearing Messages for Ephemeral Content: For sensitive or transient content, utilize Instagram’s disappearing messages feature. This ensures that the content is automatically deleted after a set period.
By following these guidelines, the reliance on the “can you unread an instagram message” function can be significantly reduced. Proactive communication habits foster clarity, respect, and responsible digital interactions.
The subsequent section provides a concluding summary of the key insights derived from this exploration.
Conclusion
The preceding analysis has examined the capability to “can you unread an instagram message” within the Instagram messaging system. It has demonstrated that while such a feature exists, it is subject to limitations that impact its efficacy. Factors such as prior viewing by the recipient, the potential for screenshots, system notifications, and temporal constraints all contribute to the imperfect nature of message retraction. The study has also highlighted the privacy implications and functional constraints that users should consider when employing or encountering this function. Alternative strategies have been presented to promote mindful messaging practices, minimizing the need for retraction in the first instance.
Ultimately, the ability to retract a message on Instagram provides a degree of control over digital communication, but it does not guarantee complete erasure or eliminate potential consequences. The digital realm necessitates a heightened awareness of communication practices, recognizing that even attempts at retraction leave traces and influence interactions. Therefore, users must approach digital messaging with prudence and a recognition of the enduring nature of online exchanges, irrespective of the attempted use of the “can you unread an instagram message” feature.
