According to users who’ve managed to sneak a peek at X’s latest iOS update, the social media giant looks like it will be making big changes to the feed experience — namely, hiding visible like counts, repost tallies and comment numbers on posts.
This potential update was first spotted by user @aaronp613, who activated a hidden feature flag in the X for iOS v10.53 release. The user shared a screenshot showcasing a “cleaner, metric-free interface” for replies, noting that while the information isn’t displayed outright, it can still be accessed with an extra tap.
Some X users are concerned about how this will change interactions on the app. For one, it might mean the end of the much-loved (or much-hated, depending on who you ask) “ratio” phenomenon. Others are concerned that it might make it harder to spot misinformation or controversial content quickly. Without these visible cues, users might not understand the need to dig deeper to understand the full context of a conversation, or if a source is credible.
But there could be a positive change that comes from this, too.
For many content creators, the number of likes on a post can impact their self-image and self-worth. Studies have shown that the constant pressure to gain likes and approval can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression. Social media creates an environment where users compare themselves to others, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. If a post we make goes viral, for instance, we probably feel great about ourselves. If one goes widely ignored, it can be a hit to our self-confidence, even if we don’t want it to.
“Teen depression started to rise around 2012, a time that coincides with the popularity of smartphones,” said Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University. It was also a time that, Twenge said, “‘likes’ on posts became common, and the algorithms started to become more sophisticated to keep people on social media for longer. That’s clearly not a coincidence.”
Title: X Might Be Getting Rid of Like and Comment Counts. Here’s Why That’s a Win for Mental Health
URL: https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/x-might-be-getting-rid-of-like-and-comment-counts-heres-why-thats-a-win-for-mental-health/
Source: REL ::: RELEVANT
Source URL: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rss/relevantmagazine.xml
Date: August 7, 2024 at 12:09AM
Feedly Board(s): Religion