The leading social networking website Twitter (X) has been undergoing a series of changes since Elon Musk took ownership of it.
Now Elon Musk has announced another change to X, introducing a new feature that will make the Likes section of users’ profiles private.
This change will likely be implemented soon, unlike many of Elon Musk’s previous announcements.
X has already allowed its premium subscribers to hide likes, but after this update, everyone’s option will be removed from it.
In this regard, Hufei Wang, director of engineering of X, confirmed the new change and said that likes on X are being privatized.
The ‘Likes’ tab on the user’s profile showing all their liked posts will be removed.
After making posts likes private, users won’t be able to see on each other’s profiles which posts they’ve liked on X.
Hufei Wang explained that making Likes private will allow users to use X more freely and make the algorithm more user-friendly. The change is intended to protect X users from fear of possible backlash for liking controversial content.
XK Senior Software Engineer Enrique Berragon said that even after this change, users will be able to see who liked their posts, the number of likes on posts and replies will also be visible to users.
The only change is that users won’t be able to see who liked other people’s posts.
#change
**Interview with Emily Carter, Social Media Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Emily. Let’s dive right into it. Elon Musk has announced changes to how the blocking feature works on X (formerly Twitter). What are your initial thoughts on this?
**Emily Carter:** Thank you for having me! I think this change could have significant implications for user experience on X. Traditionally, the block function is a tool that allows users to manage their interactions and avoid unwanted communication. Altering this could lead to confusion among users who are accustomed to established norms on other platforms.
**Editor:** That’s an interesting point. What specific changes to the block feature are being proposed, and how do they differ from other social media platforms?
**Emily Carter:** Musk’s plans seem to indicate a shift towards a more open interaction model. This could mean users are less able to restrict unwanted contact, which contrasts sharply with the more strict blocking protocols on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The idea of fostering open dialogue could backfire if users feel their safety and comfort are compromised.
**Editor:** Do you think this change might drive users away from X?
**Emily Carter:** Absolutely. If users feel they cannot protect their personal space effectively, they may seek alternatives. Social media operates on the concept of user comfort and trust, and if that is eroded, you run the risk of losing users. Many have already expressed concerns about the platform’s current direction.
**Editor:** What recommendations would you suggest for users navigating these changes?
**Emily Carter:** I would advise users to stay informed about updates and changes to features like blocking. It’s also wise to explore privacy settings and connect with communities that share similar concerns. If the platform becomes uncomfortable, transitioning to another social network might be necessary.
**Editor:** Thanks for your insights, Emily. The evolution of social media under Musk’s stewardship raises many questions about user experience and safety.
**Emily Carter:** Thank you for having me! It certainly will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
