Meta's social media platform Threads is rolling out a new activity status feature, allowing users to see who's online in real-time. This update aims to enhance user engagement but highlights a curious omission in the app's functionality.
Green Bubbles for Active Users
The new feature displays a green bubble next to the profile pictures of users who are currently active on the platform. Threads boss Adam Mosseri describes it as a way to help you find others to engage with in real-time. Users will see these indicators both in their feed and on individual profiles.
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| A modern visual representation of Threads' online activity status, enhancing user engagement through real-time connections |
Optional Privacy Settings
Importantly, the activity status is an opt-in feature. Mosseri clarified, Only people who have activity status turned on will be able to see when you're online, and you can turn this off within your settings at any time. This addresses potential privacy concerns for users who prefer not to broadcast their online presence.
Missing Piece: Direct Messaging
While the online status feature is typically associated with messaging apps, Threads notably lacks built-in direct messaging capabilities. This disconnect raises questions about the feature's utility without a clear way for users to initiate private conversations.
Addressing Real-Time Engagement
The introduction of activity status appears to be a response to criticism that Threads doesn't prioritize real-time content and interactions. However, some tech observers argue that this update falls short of fully addressing those concerns, as there's no straightforward method to locate and engage with currently active users.
Future Developments
Reports suggest that Threads is developing a Community feature, similar to groups on other platforms. This upcoming addition could potentially provide a more meaningful context for the online status indicators, allowing users to connect over shared interests.
As Threads continues to position itself as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter), the platform will need to balance new features with core functionality to effectively compete in the social media landscape.