Twitter has recently announced the introduction of a new safety feature that will fundamentally change how users manage replies to their posts in an effort to reduce harmful mob-bullying and harassment. The new tool will give users the power to choose who they allow to respond to their tweets and restrict or even ban abusive users and other unwanted responders.
The changes are part of Twitter's mission to improve user experience by making the platform less open to abuse, which it is hoped will allow more productive and meaningful conversations to flow, free from trolling and mob-bullying. Mob-bullying, or a 'pile-on' occurs when abusive users target tweets by including large numbers of followers in a call to arms, which can often become a tide of abuse, drowning out any reasonable or measured conversation.
Mob-bullying can be devastating for individuals who can be targeted for perceived wrongdoings or for simply having a point of view that differs from others.
People should not feel apprehensive or reluctant to express themselves for fear of mass reprisals on social media. Targets often feel overwhelmed by this kind of mob justice, causing meaningful conversations to be shut down through fear and intimidation. This needs to change.
Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation
The new tool will give users four different options for managing responses to their tweets:
- 'Global': This setting will work as it is now.
- 'Group': This will include people who are followed or included in the conversation.
- 'Panel': This will allow only those included in the tweet to respond.
- An additional setting will also allow users to block all responses.
Twitter's new approach to user management tools comes at a time when social media companies are being pressured to take more responsibility over the abuse and bullying that is present on their platforms.
The move is the latest in a number of changes that Twitter has introduced over the last two years as part of their continuing efforts to meet the challenges of encouraging healthy online interactions, freedom of speech, and user wellbeing.