Threads, an app developed by Adam Mosseri, has faced widespread opposition from users regarding the implementation of an auto-archive option. This feature would delete users’ posts from public view after a certain time period. Despite the feedback against this idea, Mosseri and his team are moving forward with the experiment, allowing some Threads users to set an auto-archive time for their updates as an optional setting within the app.
Mosseri clarified that the auto-archive feature is optional and users can choose to manually archive individual posts or automatically archive all posts after a specified time period. This decision was made after a poll conducted earlier in which users were against making auto-archive the default setting. However, Mosseri believes this feature aligns with current social platform usage trends, where users are moving towards sharing more privately in group chats rather than through public posts.
The shift towards private sharing may be attributed to users’ concerns about the permanence of their posts on the internet. Many individuals, including celebrities and politicians, have faced consequences due to old social media posts resurfacing. This fear of past posts being used against them in the future could be a reason why people are reluctant to share their thoughts and opinions publicly. Mosseri sees the auto-archive feature as a potential solution to address these concerns and encourage more sharing among users.
Despite the potential benefits of the auto-archive feature in alleviating fears around posting on social media, other factors may contribute to users’ hesitancy to share publicly. The prevalence of arguments, criticism, and trolling on social media platforms has led many users to limit their public sharing and engagement. The excitement of having a personal broadcast platform has waned over time as users are deterred by the negative aspects of online discourse and constant exposure to random opinions.
While the auto-archive feature may provide some users with reassurance that their posts will not remain in perpetuity, there are still risks associated with sharing content online. Recent trends in social media usage suggest that users are more selective about what they share publicly and may prefer to keep certain conversations private. The ongoing debate around the auto-archive feature highlights the complexities of balancing user privacy and the preservation of digital content in the age of social media. Through ongoing experimentation and feedback, Mosseri and the Threads team aim to provide users with more control over their online sharing experiences.