Twitter’s new reply feature lets you choose who can respond.
After the new update of its logo, Twitter is testing a new feature that will allow users to limit who can reply to their tweets. This is in response to the growing problem of harassment and abuse on Twitter. The feature is currently being tested with a small group of users.
To use the feature, users will need to select one of three options when they post a tweet:
- Everyone can reply
- Only people I follow can reply
- Only people I mention can reply
If a user selects “Only people I follow can reply,” only people who are following the user will be able to reply to their tweets. If a user selects “Only people I mention can reply,” only people who are mentioned in the tweet will be able to reply.
The new feature is still in testing, but it has the potential to make Twitter a more harassment-free platform. It will allow users to control who is able to engage with their tweets, which can help to protect them from abuse.
Harassment on Twitter is a serious problem. In 2020, Twitter reported that it had suspended over 70 million accounts for violating its policies against abuse and harassment. However, the problem persists.
The new reply controls could help to address the problem of harassment on Twitter in a few ways. First, they will give users more control over who is able to engage with their tweets. This will make it more difficult for trolls and harassers to target users with abuse.
Second, the new reply controls could help to reduce the amount of abuse that users see on their timelines. If users only see replies from people they follow or people they mention, they will be less likely to see abusive content.
Third, the new reply controls could help to encourage more positive and productive conversations on Twitter. If users know that they are only going to receive replies from people who are interested in having a respectful conversation, they may be more likely to engage in those conversations.
The new reply controls are a positive step towards making Twitter a more harassment-free platform. However, it is important to note that they are not a cure-all. Harassment on Twitter is a complex problem, and it will take more than just new features to address it.
Twitter also needs to take steps to educate its users about harassment and how to report it. It also needs to be more proactive in suspending accounts that violate its policies against abuse.
The new reply controls are a good start, but Twitter needs to do more to make its platform a safe space for everyone.
In addition to the new reply controls, Twitter is also taking other steps to combat harassment on its platform. In 2021, Twitter launched a new safety advisory council, which is made up of experts on harassment and abuse. The council is working with Twitter to develop new policies and features to make the platform safer.
Twitter is also working to improve its reporting process for harassment. In 2022, Twitter rolled out a new reporting tool that makes it easier for users to report abuse. The tool also provides users with more information about the reporting process.
Twitter is committed to making its platform a safe space for everyone. The new reply controls and other safety initiatives are a step in the right direction. However, there is still more work to be done.
