Threads, the competitor to X, is introducing a new feature called “activity status,” which will allow users to see when others are online on the platform. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, revealed the update in a Threads post. He explained that this feature aims to enhance user interaction by helping people connect and engage with others in real time. Fortunately, there is an option to disable this setting, ensuring that only users who have activated the feature can see when you’re online.
Since its debut last year, Threads has struggled to keep pace with X (formerly Twitter) in showcasing real-time events and trends. Users find it simpler to access immediate reactions and discussions about live occurrences, such as award ceremonies and earthquakes, on X compared to Threads. With the introduction of this new feature, Threads aims to enhance real-time engagement within its platform.
The activity status feature can be viewed as Threads’ response to its absence of direct messaging capabilities. On X, initiating a conversation is as simple as individuals can send a direct message to someone. However, since Threads lacks this functionality, Meta is exploring alternative ways to encourage interactions on the platform. According to Mosseri, the company aims to make it easier for users to engage in conversations by allowing them to see when their connections are online.
However, not everyone will be comfortable with others knowing when they’re online, as activity status features are typically found on messaging platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Discord, rather than on social media platforms like X. A brief review of the reactions to Mosseri’s announcement reveals that a significant number of users are opposed to this feature. Many are requesting direct messaging instead, arguing that an activity status feature lacks purpose if there’s no way to directly message the person.
Others have raised concerns that this feature could potentially endanger certain users. For example, if someone is being targeted by a troll, they might face increased harassment knowing that the user is currently active on the platform. The “activity status” feature has begun its rollout on Threads, though not all users will have immediate access. While Mosseri did not provide specific instructions on how to turn off this feature, it is expected that users will need to navigate to the app’s settings page to disable it.
- Code Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Free AI Tools You Need to Know! - January 22, 2025
- Meta Takes on CapCut with Its New Video Editing App ‘Edits’ - January 20, 2025
- NovaSky Debuts Affordable Open-Source AI Model for Advanced Reasoning - January 14, 2025
