Twitter officially rolls out reply-limiting feature that lets users ban others from commenting on their tweets
- Twitter was testing a reply-limiting feature in May and has officially launched it
- Users can now choose who can and cannot reply to their tweets
- Before post, Twitter asks users to select between three options
- They can choose everyone, people the follow or mention in the tweet
- Tweets will also be labeled accordingly to let users know if they can reply
Twitter launched a new moderation feature that gives users power to limit to how many people can reply to their tweets.
All accounts, including those of elected officials, can now select the people who will be allowed to reply while composing a new tweet.
Users can select from three sets of people – everyone, only people they follow and only people they mention in the tweet.
Tweets with the latter two settings will be labeled as such, notifying others they have been barred from commenting.
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Twitter launched a new moderation feature that gives users power to limit to how many people can reply to their tweets
Twitter first revealed the feature in May when it shared a tweeting stating it is ‘testing, testing’ a new way to have conversations with only the users you want.
And an update was released in the iOS update for the app, but the firm quickly pulled it citing the launch a mistake.
Now all users have access to the feature that Twitter says aims to ‘give people more control over the conversations they start.’
This feature would also enable Twitter users carry out better conversations and limit their exposure to online trolls and abusers.
All accounts, including those of elected officials, can now select the people who will be allowed to reply while composing a new tweet
Suzanne Xie, director of product management, shared in an announcement: ‘Sometimes people are more comfortable talking about what’s happening when they can choose who can reply.’
‘We’ve seen people use these settings to have conversations that weren’t really possible before. Starting today, everyone will be able to use these settings so unwanted replies don’t get in the way of meaningful conversations.’
When sharing tweets, users will be asked ‘who can reply’ before posting.
They can choose ‘Everyone,’ ‘People you follow’ or ‘Only people you mention.’
‘Since we started testing this in May, people have used it to host interviews and panels, share what’s on their mind, and make announcements,’ Xie shared.
‘We’ve learned a lot from usage, feedback interviews, and surveys.’
‘These settings help some people feel safer and could lead to more meaningful conversations, while still allowing people to see different points of view.’
Users can select from three sets of people – everyone, only people they follow and only people they mention in the tweet
Although it has yet to be determined if limiting replies will create a more harmonious place, the firm has discovered in testing that the feature is helping users share more of their thoughts.
‘Tweets using these settings about topics like Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 are on average longer than those that don’t use these settings,’ explains Xie.
‘Some people use these settings to have more sensitive conversations about politics and social issues. Those with a lot of followers use these settings to share more feelings, opinions, and personal news.’