Now, you can hide replies on Twitter: Here's how
What's the story
In a bid to make public conversations healthier, Twitter is giving more users the ability to hide replies on their posts. The feature was originally being tested with people in Canada, but now, the microblogging site has confirmed that the test is being expanded to other regions, starting with the US and Japan. Here's all you need to know about it.
Feature
New option to hide replies
The ability to hide replies comes in the form of a dedicated 'Hide reply' button that appears in the drop-down showing options for following, muting, or blocking a tweeted response. Whenever the original poster of a tweet clicks on this option for any tweet, the post in question would be hidden for all others looking at the conversation.
Important
However, it won't delete the replies for good
The feature has been designed to make conversations healthier by letting users silence obnoxious trolls or people hurling abuses on their posts without any reason. However, it's imperative to note that the capability won't delete comments permanently. It will only hide the remarks, which would be accessible through a new icon appearing at the right side of the original tweet.
Twitter Post
Here's how the feature works
Launching today. Let us know what you think! 👇 https://t.co/31zvOF3jaR
— Twitter Canada (@TwitterCanada) July 17, 2019
Transparency
This would ensure transparency in conversations, says Twitter
Twitter says that while the hide button would give users control over their conversations, the secondary option to view hidden tweets would ensure that the main capability isn't exploited. Essentially, there will be an element of transparency between the original tweeter and audience, which would prevent people from hiding their own inappropriate/hate comments or silencing dissenting opinions, like those of people commenting against politicians.
Availability
No word on global launch yet
Having said that, you should understand that this capability is only being tested in the US, Japan, and Canada at this stage. Canadians have given a positive response to the feature, noting that it helped them hide abusive or irrelevant tweets. But, the capability still remains experimental, and there is no word on when or if it will hit other regions.