Instagram’s new alert system warns users about abuse behind ‘animal selfies’

If an Instagram user types “#slothselfie” or “#elephantride” in the search menu, a pop-up alert appears on the screen. (Tribune News Service)

It may be easy to scroll down your timeline to find posts of cute animals. Instagram, however, is asking its users to beware, because there could be potential abuse going on behind the picture. 

The photo-sharing site rolled out a new messaging system that warns people of possible behind-the-scenes abuse when they search for certain animal or wildlife hashtags.