Threads rolls out new feature to show users' online status
But an "activity status" feature ignites concerns about privacy and safety.
Meta's Threads, the social media platform vying for Twitter (now X)'s crown, has recently unveiled a new feature that's sparking heated debates among users.
An "activity status" feature, which allows users to see when others are online, was announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, igniting concerns about privacy, safety, and the platform's overall direction.
On the one hand, the feature offers a way to easily connect with friends and acquaintances in real-time. It's a simple yet effective tool for finding people who are available to chat or engage in discussions. For those who enjoy spontaneous interactions and live events, the activity status feature can enhance their experience on Threads.
However, while the intent behind the feature is understandable, the feature also raises concerns about privacy and safety. Some users worry that it could make them more vulnerable to harassment or unwanted attention. If a troll or stalker knows that someone is online, they may be more likely to target them.
Moreover, the activity status feature is something traditionally seen on messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger and Discord, leading to questions about its appropriateness on a microblogging platform like Threads. It is worth noting that Twitter, in the past, also considered adding a similar option but ultimately chose not to.
Fortunately, the platform allows users to turn off the activity status setting, ensuring that only those who opt-in can see when they are online.
The introduction of the activity status feature highlights Threads' ongoing efforts to compete with Twitter. While the platform has made significant strides in recent months reaching over 200 million users, it still lags behind Twitter in terms of real-time engagement and trending topics. The activity status feature is an effort by Threads, which still doesn't have a direct messaging option, to encourage real-time engagement.
As Threads begins rolling it out today, it will be interesting to see how it addresses the concerns raised by the activity status feature. Whether this new feature will be a net positive or a net negative for the platform remains to be seen.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
