As an internet user, you’ve no doubt heard of or even experienced firsthand, the side effects of online bullying – it’s an issue that Threads, an Instagram spin-off app, tackles head-on. Threads’ chief, Adam Mosseri, revealed an innovative new feature specifically designed to tackle online harassment. The “Hidden Words” is a game-changing tool that promises to filter out offensive words, phrases, and emojis from a user’s feed. Here’s what you should know about this new feature:
1. Optimal Control over Content
Under the new feature, users are given the bandwidth to block words, phrases or emojis that are personally offensive to them. While Threads is instrumental in deciding common offensive terms to filter, it also offers the flexibility for users to customize this list according to their comfort (e.g., certain slang or profanity).
2. A Proactive Step against Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying poses a considerable mental health risk in the digital world, particularly among young internet users. The “Hidden Words” feature is Threads’ proactive response to this rising issue, devoting resources to ensuring that users can engage and socialize within a safe online environment.
3. Encouraging Healthier Interactions
Threads’ main essence is to strengthen communication via sharing statuses, photos, and messages with close friends; therefore, any feature that promotes healthier, more respectful exchanges aptly aligns with its mission. By diminishing offensive content, Threads encourages a more positive, congenial space to express oneself.
4. A Strong Stand Amidst Major Tech Giants
Threads’ decision to enhance user control over content puts it on par with major social media platforms, including its parent company Instagram, that are exploring ways to ensure safer digital experiences. This stands as a testimony to Threads’ commitment to providing an inclusive, respectful, and safe platform for its users.
5. The Highlight of the Personalization Trend
We’re living in an era of personalization where users desire greater control over their digital experiences. As the new “Hidden Words” feature reveals, Threads is well aware of this trend. Not only does this pledge encourage user-defined digital comfort, but also symbolizes its commitment to empowering users in curbing cyberbullying.
Embracing the “Hidden Words” feature marks a significant moment for Threads, one that’s synonymous to taking a stand against cyberbullying, advocating for healthier digital interactions, and stepping up alongside tech giants in this endeavor. Though this is just one stride, if it can eliminate even one instance of online harassment, it’s a stride well made.
Credit: BBC. TechCrunch, Reuters
