Recently, X, formerly known as Twitter, has been rumored to be testing a new feature that allows users to downvote posts on their platform. This feature, if introduced, could have a significant impact on user engagement and interactions on the app.
According to social media claims, the downvoting option may appear as a ‘dislike’ button in the form of a heartbroken icon, deviating from the traditional downward arrow seen on platforms like Reddit. This change in design could evoke different emotional responses from users and may lead to varied interactions with posts.
Code references related to the downvoting feature have been discovered, suggesting ongoing testing of the functionality. Strings of text within the app’s code indicate prompts like “Do you want to downvote this post?” and “Downvote this post”. However, it remains unclear whether the downvoting ability will be available for both posts and replies or restricted to just posts based on the current code mentions.
This is not the first time that X, previously Twitter, has experimented with downvoting features. In 2021, the platform announced a small research experiment that included upvote and downvote options for replies. Initially, downvotes were kept private, unlike likes that were visible to everyone. However, a recent update made likes hidden, indicating a shift in the platform’s approach to user interactions.
User reactions to the potential downvoting feature have been mixed. While some see it as a valuable addition to express dissenting opinions, others are concerned about the impact of negative interactions on the platform’s overall ecosystem. A video clip shared by a user showcases the downvoting option in action, suggesting that it is currently limited to replies and not applicable to posts directly.
In addition to the rumored downvoting feature, X has recently decided to hide likes from the platform. This decision means that users’ liked posts will no longer be visible on their profiles under the likes tab. These changes are part of a larger series of updates made on the platform following Elon Musk’s takeover in 2022. The introduction of the downvoting feature could further align with Musk’s vision for user interactions on X.
The potential introduction of a downvoting feature on X could have a significant impact on user engagement and interactions on the platform. As the testing phase progresses, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to this new feature and how it shapes the overall dynamics of the app.
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