https://thenextweb.com/apps/2018/07/20/instagrams-new-status-dots-tell-you-if-your-contacts-are-online-but-you-can-turn-them-off/

Back in January, Instagram began revealing when your contacts were last active on the platform. It’s now building on that functionality to enhance its messaging tool with status indicators that tell you if your friends are online.

The next time you pop into the Direct messaging section of the app, you’ll see green dots next to your contacts’ names if they’re presently online. The company says this is meant to make it easier to connect with people.