Musk indicates X to do away with block function
Posted August 18, 2023 6:59 pm.
Elon Musk says the block feature on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, will be deleted as a feature.
In a response to a post asking for reasons why someone would use the block function vs. the mute feature, Musk replied that block would be deleted except for DMs because “It makes no sense.”
However, a context note added to Musk’s post claims he can’t do this as the feature is required for the social media app to be available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play store
Elon Musk post on ending block function. X/Elon Musk
When questioned by many who pointed out that the block feature is crucial in combating harassment, trolls and spam off their timelines, Musk simply replied “Mute”.
The removal of the block function would effectively make harassment an official feature of Twitter/X, taking away what is the only setting that can reduce impact. …. It is an extremely ignorant and privileged perspective to think that blocking makes no sense. pic.twitter.com/lQeGxMfJmg
— Prof Tanja Bueltmann (@TanjaBueltmann) August 18, 2023
Musk’s post did solicit support from a surprising source, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who used the “100” emoji while also touting the mute function.
Essentially, blocking allows a user to remove another user’s posts from their feed while also restricting contact and their ability to see your posts. Muting allows someone to remove another user’s posts from their feed without unfollowing them but they are still able to reply to those posts – you just won’t see it.
Another option indicated by Musk and others is for users to set their account to private, which then allows them to control who can view and respond to their posts.
“If you protect your Tweets, you’ll receive a request when new people want to follow you, which you can approve or deny,” the platform says its help site.
