X makes 'likes' private for everyone: A thumbs up for user freedom?

[Digimaus]

 

In a major move for user privacy, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has made "likes" private for everyone. This follows a previous limited rollout where hiding likes was a premium feature. The announcement, made by X's Engineering team, is poised to reshape user interaction on the platform.

 

 

With this update, users can "like" posts without fear of judgment. Gone are the days of worrying who will see your likes—or who might see you "like" something controversial. This could be a game-changer for public figures who previously faced PR nightmares for liking unexpected content. However, users can still see their own like counts and who liked their posts.

 

X's CEO, Elon Musk, believes this is a crucial step towards protecting users from online backlash. The goal is to create a space where people can engage with diverse content, even "edgy" stuff, without fear of online trolls or damage to their public image.

 

While X's move marks a significant shift, its impact on user behavior and overall platform engagement remains to be seen. This decision could potentially set a new standard for social media privacy, influencing other platforms to follow suit. But is it really necessary?

 

Some users wonder if X's resources could have been directed towards other features or content moderation improvements. Concerns also linger about X's stance on explicit content with this new system.

 

So, what do you think? Will private "likes" make X a better platform? How will this affect how you engage with content? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

• https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/11/24176247/x-likes-hidden-private-rollout
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2024/06/11/elon-musk-confirms-x-will-begin-hiding-likes/
• https://gizmodo.com/elon-musk-twitter-x-likes-private-enjoy-edgy-content-1851493872

 

Image: Michele Ursi | Dreamstime.com