Twitter Faces Backlash as New DM Settings Promote Twitter Blue and Limit User Interactions
On Friday, Twitter sparked controversy as it rolled out a new settings option for direct messages (DMs) on its platform. This update has changed the default settings for every user, effectively turning their DMs into a promotional tool for Twitter Blue, the company’s paid subscription program. While this move aims to address the platform’s negative cash flow and dwindling advertising revenue, it has left many users frustrated and concerned about potential harassment. In this article, we delve into the details of this change and explore the user backlash against Twitter’s aggressive promotion of Twitter Blue.
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Default Settings Change:
Previously, Twitter users had two options for their DM settings: allowing messages from everyone on the platform or only permitting messages from users they follow. With the latter option, the DM button would only appear for those who were followed by the user. However, Twitter introduced a new default setting that adds a third option, restricting DMs to users followed by the recipient and verified Twitter users. While this option might have been welcomed in the past, when verification was limited to well-known figures, it now raises concerns about potential harassment.
Twitter Blue and Revenue Woes:
Twitter’s decision to emphasize Twitter Blue in its DM settings is seen as a desperate attempt to boost the platform’s revenue. Elon Musk, who has recently been vocal about Twitter’s financial struggles, cited a significant drop in advertising revenue as a contributing factor to the company’s negative cash flow. As a result, Twitter is seemingly pushing for more users to subscribe to Twitter Blue, a move that has been met with skepticism and criticism.
Implications and User Backlash:
Under the new default settings, only Twitter Blue subscribers can send messages to users who have not explicitly allowed messages from non-followers. This has effectively turned DMs into a promotional tool for Twitter Blue, frustrating many users who were accustomed to having control over their interactions. The change has sparked a wave of backlash, with users expressing concerns about unwanted messages and the intrusion of Twitter Blue subscribers into their DMs.
Reclaiming Control: How to Adjust DM Settings:
Despite the default setting change, users still have the ability to regain control over their DMs. By accessing the message section on their Twitter accounts and navigating to the primary inbox, users can click on the settings button to find three messaging options. Among these options is the newly added “allow messages from Verified users only,” which users can disable if they wish to receive messages from non-verified users as well.
Twitter’s Desperate Measures:
Twitter’s recent move to aggressively promote Twitter Blue and alter DM settings reflects the company’s urgent need to address its financial challenges. However, this push has resulted in an outcry from users who feel their interactions are being hijacked by a paid subscription service. Critics argue that these marketing tactics undermine Twitter’s once-dominant position as a social media platform and contribute to a sense of disarray within the company.
Twitter’s decision to change default DM settings and prioritize Twitter Blue subscriptions has elicited strong reactions from its user base. By transforming DMs into a promotional tool, the company has encountered backlash and criticism for disregarding user preferences and privacy. While users can still reclaim control over their DMs by adjusting the settings, the incident highlights the challenges Twitter faces in its ongoing quest for financial stability and the delicate balance between monetization and user experience.
