Soon, Twitter users will be able hide replies: Here's how
What's the story
In a bid to enhance user control, Twitter is building a new moderation feature into its mobile app. According to security researcher Jane Manchun Wong, the microblogging platform is developing an option to hide replies on tweets. The feature is not yet available, but users have already raised concerns over how it could affect the quality of conversations. Here's more about it.
Details
New 'Hide Tweet' option to hide replies
While digging into the code of Twitter for Android, Wong discovered an option named 'Hide Tweet'. Accessed from the 'share' button of replies, the option enabled her to hide replies on her post. Twitter's product manager Michelle Yasmeen Haq later confirmed the development, noting that the feature has been designed to help users keep their conversations 'as healthy as possible'.
Twitter Post
Twitter's 'Hide Reply' button
Twitter is testing replies moderation. It lets you to hide replies under your tweets, while providing an option to show the hidden replies pic.twitter.com/dE19w4TLtp
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) February 28, 2019
Transparency
Also, audience would be able to view hidden tweets
Along with the option to moderate conversations, Twitter also appears to be testing the option to view replies that have been hidden. This will maintain the element of transparency between the original tweeter and the audience and prevent people from hiding their own inappropriate/hate comments from others. Notably, the option to view hidden tweets would be accessible through the menu button.
Concern
However, this has raised concerns over quality of conversation
The feature sounds interesting but users are already raising concerns over how it could affect the quality of Twitter conversations/debates. Basically, many think the option would enable users, like corrupt/biased politicians, to change the tone of their conversations, and viewers won't even see the hidden replies. Some won't bother to unhide replies, while others won't know how to do it.
Public availability
Public roll-out in coming months
Having said that, it's worth noting the feature is not yet available. Haq claimed the option will be tested publicly in the coming months, meaning Twitter may consider these concerns and make unhiding even simpler. Either way, the ability to moderate conversations looks like an ideal step to clean up conversations on Twitter and prevent it from being marred by hate and exploitative remarks.
Twitter Post
Here is what Twitter's product manager claimed
4/8 We think of conversations as an ecosystem of different groups: authors, repliers, the audience and the platform. We try to balance the experience across all four groups, and we are continuously exploring ways to shift the balance without overcorrecting.
— Michelle Yasmeen Haq (@thechelleshock) February 28, 2019