Oct 17, 2024
X is set to implement a controversial update to its block function, allowing users to view posts from accounts that have blocked them. This is the latest in a series of changes to the Elon Musk-owned platform, formerly known as Twitter, sparking widespread backlash among users.
Key Facts
- X’s engineering page announced Wednesday that for users with public accounts, blocking someone will prevent that person from engaging with the blocker’s posts but will no longer stop them from viewing those posts.
- Currently, the block feature prevents both engagement and visibility of posts from those who have blocked someone.
- The upcoming change, according to X, is designed to offer “greater transparency,” allowing users to see if those who blocked them are sharing harmful or private information about them.
- The decision has been met with significant criticism, with many users expressing concern that the block function will become “essentially useless,” potentially enabling harassment from stalkers or bad actors.
- Critics also pointed out that blocked users could still harass individuals indirectly by publicly screenshotting and reposting visible tweets, even if direct engagement is restricted.
- Elon Musk defended the decision last month, stating it was “high time” for the change, although many users voiced concerns about harassment and safety.
Tangent
Musk had previously hinted at removing the block function altogether, calling it nonsensical, but backtracked after receiving substantial user criticism.
Chief Critic
Bluesky, a decentralized social media alternative to X, has used the backlash to promote its own robust block and “anti-toxicity” features, highlighting differences between the platforms. Bluesky currently has a much smaller user base compared to X, reporting 10 million users as of last month.
What Is The Difference Between Block And Mute On X?
- Blocking prevents users from liking, replying to, or reposting another user’s content and cuts off the ability to follow or view posts.
- Muting, on the other hand, quietly removes a user’s posts from one’s feed without alerting the muted user. Muted accounts can still send direct messages and engage with the person who muted them.
Key Background
Elon Musk has stated that blocking “makes no sense” and should be replaced with a stronger mute function. The block feature, widely used to curb harassment and spam, is seen by many users as a necessary tool on social media. Should Musk proceed with removing it entirely, it may conflict with app store requirements from Google and Apple, which emphasize the need for social media platforms to include block features. Since acquiring X for $44 billion, Musk has made several sweeping changes to the platform, including rebranding from Twitter to X, introducing a subscription model for verification, and loosening content moderation—some of which have sparked controversy among the platform’s user base.