Here’s how to check how much time you spend on Facebook, Instagram

Facebook and Instagram say that with the new tools will “give people more control over the time they spend on our platforms and also foster conversations between parents and teens about the online habits that are right for them”.

A new tool to see how time users spend on Facebook and Instagram. (Shutterstock)

Facebook and Instagram have announced new tools which will show the amount of time users spend on the social media platforms.

"We want the time people spend on Instagram and Facebook to be intentional, positive and inspiring," the companies collectively said in a blog post.

"Our hope is that these tools give people more control over the time they spend on our platforms and also foster conversations between parents and teens about the online habits that are right for them," it added.

These tools are slowly rolling out to all users on Facebook and Instagram.

How to check time management on Instagram

Under the settings menu, tap on 'Your Activity'.

Here you will see a dashboard with details on the amount of time you spend on Instagram.

You can set time limits of your usage on Instagram.

You can then choose to set daily reminders of the time set.

Time management tool on Instagram. (Instagram)

Time management tool on Instagram. (Instagram)

How to check time management on Facebook

Users on Facebook will find this feature under 'Your time on Facebook'.

A similar dashboard will show the amount of time you spend on Facebook.

You can set daily reminders and notifications for your usage on Facebook.

(Instagram)

(Instagram)

Facebook and Instagram's new tools are in line with Google's 'Digital Wellbeing' announced at I/O 2018. Apple also introduced a similar feature with iOS 12 which will be released later this fall.

Facebook has in recent months introduced a string of changes to its content, including a major plan earlier this year to update its newsfeed to emphasise posts from friends and family. That shift had prompted fears it could drive away advertisers if people spent less time on the social network.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had announced the changes in 2017, as his firm sought to respond to accusations that it encouraged addiction to its platform.

Earlier this year, Zuckerberg said: "In 2018, we're focused on making sure Facebook isn't just fun to use, but also good for people's well-being and for society."

Since the measures were introduced, viral videos have seen a significant drop in reach. The plan in turn saw a 5% drop in time spent on Facebook in the last quarter of 2017.

With inputs from Agence France-Presse.