Background
Twitter has announced new measures aimed at reducing spam messages in users’ direct message (DM) inboxes. These changes will take effect starting July 14th and involve categorizing messages differently based on whether the recipient is a follower or not.
New Messages Settings
Starting from July 14th, Twitter will introduce a revised system for handling messages sent to its platform. Specifically, messages originating from Verified users who are not currently followers of the sender will be directed into the user’s Message Request inbox instead of the main DM inbox. This change is intended to curtail spam activity by preventing such messages from reaching their intended recipients.
Implications for Verified Users
This update affects all Verified users, regardless of whether they have purchased premium services or are active on the platform. The goal is to ensure that only legitimate correspondences flow into the primary DM inbox, thereby enhancing user experience and reducing unwanted noise.
Scrutiny of Twitter’s Verification System
Despite these changes, Twitter has faced criticism for its verification process. Earlier this year, it was revealed that users could now purchase Verification through an app available on the Play Store at a reasonable cost. Critics argue that this has diluted the original purpose of Verified status, as non-following Verified users can now send messages to their followers’ primary inboxes.
Context from Twitter’s History
Twitter has not always been open to criticism regarding its verification process. In 2017, it was revealed that individuals could buy Verification for a modest fee on an app available on the Google Play Store. This development marked a significant shift in how Verified status is obtained and has contributed to concerns about authenticity within the platform’s user base.
Reaction from Industry Experts
TechCrunch contributor Aisha Malik highlighted Twitter’s stance on combating spam, emphasizing its active measures to address this issue. However, experts note that while these changes represent progress, they do not fully restore the original intent behind Verified messaging.
Elon Musk’s Objectives post Purchase
Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter in November 2022, has been vocal about his vision for the platform. His objectives include restoring authenticity and combatting spam. However, the introduction of these new settings marks a step forward but leaves room for further improvements to ensure a cleaner user experience.
Conclusion
Twitter’s efforts to rein in spam are part of its broader strategy to enhance user satisfaction. The shift in message categorization is a positive development, but critics will continue to monitor the platform closely. Until then, users should remain vigilant in managing their inboxes and utilizing features like Message Requests as necessary.
Contributors
This article has been contributed by TechCrunch contributors including Aisha Malik, an expert in the tech industry with a focus on digital platforms and consumer behavior. For further inquiries or updates regarding Twitter’s messaging policies, please visit support.twitter.com for detailed information.
