Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly known as Twitter), recently announced that the block button will be removed as a feature on the platform, except for direct messages (DMs). This decision comes in response to a tweet discussing the differences between blocking and muting. Musk believes that removing the block option makes more sense since muting already serves a similar purpose.
At present, the block feature allows users to prevent specific accounts from seeing their tweets, contacting them, or following them. This functionality is particularly useful in cases of online harassment or other extreme online behavior. However, Musk suggests that muting other accounts can serve as a suitable alternative. When a user mutes an account, they no longer see the muted account’s posts in their timeline. However, this action does not prevent the muted account from following or replying to the muting user’s tweets.
This is just one of several changes that Musk has proposed for the social media platform since acquiring the company in October 2022, although he has not always followed through on all his proposed changes. Some of the changes that have already been implemented include the renaming of the platform to X and the removal of the verified user designation from prominent figures such as journalists, celebrities, and brands. In its place, Musk introduced a paid verified user program called X Premium, available to all for $8 per month.
In May, Musk hired Linda Yaccarino, a former NBCUniversal executive, as Twitter’s CEO. However, he has made it clear that he will continue to act as Twitter’s executive chair and chief technology officer, overseeing product, software, and system operations.
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Recently, Musk also made Tweetdeck, a service that allows users to view multiple customized feeds simultaneously, available only through a subscription. The service, now called X Pro, is accessible to users who sign up and pay for X Premium.
Musk’s approach to transforming Twitter reflects his desire to reshape the platform and offer new features and options to its users. By removing the block button, he intends to simplify the user experience and consolidate similar functionalities. While some users may be skeptical of this change, Musk’s track record suggests that he is willing to experiment and adapt based on user feedback.
It remains to be seen how the removal of the block button will affect users’ ability to manage their online interactions and protect themselves from harassment. However, Musk believes that the muting option can adequately serve the purpose of filtering out unwanted content without completely severing connections with other users.
As X continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, the platform is likely to undergo further changes and experiments. While some may find these changes disruptive, Musk’s vision for a more user-centric and streamlined social media experience may resonate with others. Ultimately, it is up to users to decide whether they embrace or resist these changes as X transforms into a new era of online communication.
