Twitter Tests Reply Restrictions to Curb Unwanted Conversations
Twitter is experimenting with a new setting that allows users to restrict who can reply to their tweets to everyone, people they follow, or only mentioned users. The test aims to give users more control over their conversations without completely locking their accounts.
Twitter acknowledges that it is testing a new setting that allows users to limit who can reply to their tweets. By tapping a small glove icon, users choose from three options: Everyone, People You Follow, and Only People You Mention. Those who do not meet the chosen criteria still view, like, and retweet the post, but the reply function remains greyed out for them.
Only a limited group of testers currently uses this feature, though anyone with an account can view these restricted conversations. Twitter states that this test is designed to give people more control over the conversations they start while still allowing for public engagement. Director of Product Management Suzanne Xie highlights the ongoing issue of unwanted responders, commonly known as "Reply Guys," as a key reason for the update.
The platform's historically open nature means that anyone can reply directly to a tweet, which often leads to abusive or disruptive responses. Until now, locking an entire account is the only way to completely prevent unwanted replies. Reactions to this new test are mixed, but the experiment shows that managing and improving reply behavior is a top priority for the social network.