X recently announced a significant change in their platform by making Likes private for all users. This update, aimed at protecting user privacy, will now allow users to like content without the fear of public scrutiny. While users will still be able to see the posts they have liked, this information will remain private to others.
X engineer Haofei Wang highlighted the negative impact of public likes, stating that they often incentivize the wrong behavior. Public likes can discourage users from engaging with certain content, especially if it is considered “edgy” or controversial. By making likes private, X aims to create a more inclusive environment where users can freely express their preferences without judgment.
With the implementation of private likes, X may be paving the way for new revenue streams. The recent update to allow adult content on the platform suggests that X is exploring opportunities for adult content producers to monetize their uploads through subscriptions. By encouraging engagement with controversial content in a more discreet manner, X may be positioning itself to attract a wider audience and drive subscription intake.
While the move to make likes private may seem like a step towards enhancing user privacy, it also raises concerns about incentivizing questionable behavior. By removing public accountability, X could potentially exacerbate certain interests and behaviors on the platform. The decision to keep likes private may not be a significant shift in itself, but it could be a precursor to more controversial changes in the future.
X’s decision to make likes private represents a significant shift in the platform’s approach to user engagement. While the update is aimed at enhancing user privacy and encouraging more diverse content consumption, it also raises questions about the potential impact on user behavior and the platform’s overall direction. Only time will tell how this change will shape the future of X and its user base.
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