Threads: Meta’s Answer to Twitter
In the early days of December, rumors started circulating that Meta, previously Facebook, was considering challenging Twitter’s dominance in the social media space. This news excited many, including myself, who were growing increasingly frustrated with the direction Twitter was headed under Elon Musk’s ownership. As someone who relies heavily on Twitter for news, humor, and daily conversation, it was crucial to me that a platform like Twitter continued to exist.
There’s no denying that Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, have had their fair share of failures when it comes to content moderation. The company’s track record doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence in its ability to run a successful Twitter alternative. Additionally, the expansion of Meta into yet another social networking space only contributes to the consolidation of Big Tech, something I personally believe should be avoided.
However, what sets Meta’s Twitter competitor apart from others is its commitment to decentralization. The company plans to make its app interoperable with other platforms like Mastodon, opening up a level of freedom and user control that has never been seen on Facebook or Instagram. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, revealed in an interview that Meta aims to let users take their audience with them when they leave the app, truly empowering users unlike any other major social app.
When first discussing the idea of a Twitter challenger with Adam Mosseri in December, he admitted to being torn. New social apps have a higher chance of failing than succeeding, and with Twitter’s already dedicated user base, it was uncertain if a new platform stood a chance. However, Elon Musk’s recent decision to limit free users on Twitter to viewing only 600 posts a day has sent a wave of users searching for alternatives. This incident has created a perfect opportunity for Meta to release its new app, Threads.
Threads, Meta’s Twitter competitor, is a stripped-down, text-based messaging app that aims to be an open and friendly place for public conversations. The app’s design closely resembles Twitter’s home timeline but includes recommended posts from around the network, providing users with a snapshot of what’s happening on the app. At present, there’s no way to view a feed of users you follow exclusively, and the app lacks features like hashtags, edit buttons, or advanced search options. However, it does offer the ability to log in using your Instagram handle and import your bio and photo with a single click. You can also choose to follow anyone on Threads that you already follow on Instagram, making it incredibly easy to connect with friends and influencers.
In many ways, Threads feels reminiscent of Twitter in its early days. Users can post short messages and add photos, much like Twitter’s original concept. One standout feature that Threads includes, which was absent in Mastodon, is the quote-tweet option. This feature allows users to quote and respond to specific tweets, fostering more robust and diverse discussions.
So, why didn’t Meta integrate text-based conversations into the core Instagram app? Mosseri reveals that they did consider this option but found that it felt forced and out of place. One of the unique elements of Twitter is that replies are given the same visual priority as the original posts, encouraging meaningful discussions. Instagram’s traditional post-and-comment model doesn’t support public discourse as effectively. Thus, Threads was created as a separate, dedicated app for vibrant public conversations.
One of the most exciting aspects of Threads is its commitment to decentralization. While it builds on Instagram’s existing network, Threads will also allow users to follow discussions on other platforms that adopt the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon, Tumblr, and WordPress.com. This groundbreaking move represents a significant departure from Meta’s usual walled-garden strategy, offering users more control over their online presence. Users will be able to take their followers and move to other networks if they choose, disrupting the traditional model of social media.
Content moderation is a valid concern on decentralized social networks like Threads. Posts that wouldn’t pass Instagram’s community guidelines might still appear on Threads if they come from another server using the ActivityPub protocol. However, Threads currently only shows posts from its own server, governed by Instagram’s existing standards. Mosseri remains optimistic that the platform’s ability to block certain forms of content before they make it onto the app will help mitigate the moderation challenges.
As for monetization, Meta’s focus is not currently on ads. The app will be ad-free in its early stages as Meta assesses its potential for success. The priority right now is to launch a well-functioning, user-friendly platform that can attract a substantial user base.
In conclusion, Threads has the potential to be a refreshing alternative to Twitter, offering a reliable, community-driven space for public conversations. Meta’s commitment to decentralization and interoperability sets it apart from other major social apps owned by Big Tech. While challenges in content moderation and monetization lie ahead, Threads represents a step towards a more open and user-centric social media landscape. Only time will tell if it becomes a genuine competitor to Twitter, but for now, it’s certainly a platform worth exploring for those seeking a better online experience.