Meta's Twitter rival Threads is stepping up its game with two significant new features aimed at improving user experience and combating misinformation.
Quote Controls: Giving Users More Power
Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently announced that Threads users can now limit who can quote their posts. This new feature offers three options:
- Anyone
- Profiles you follow
- Mentioned only
This addition builds upon the existing reply controls, giving users more granular control over how their content is shared and discussed on the platform. The feature is available on both mobile and web versions of Threads.
Fact-Checking Program: Tackling Misinformation
In a move to address the spread of false information, especially with the upcoming US elections in mind, Threads has introduced its own fact-checking program. Previously relying on Instagram and Facebook's fact-checking networks, Threads now has dedicated tools for third-party fact-checkers to review and rate content directly on the platform.
Mosseri stated that this new functionality allows Meta's third-party fact-checking partners to work directly within Threads. However, details about the global availability of this feature and the specific organizations involved in the fact-checking process remain unclear.
Challenges and Future Improvements
While these updates represent significant progress, some challenges remain. Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse, an independent social media fact-checker, pointed out that Threads still lacks advanced search features, which are crucial for effective fact-checking. The platform's search functionality currently doesn't offer chronological results or allow for word combination searches on desktop.
As Threads continues to grow, reaching over 150 million active users, Meta appears committed to enhancing the platform's features and user experience. These recent updates demonstrate the company's efforts to create a more controlled and reliable social media environment, distinguishing itself from competitors in the microblogging space.