Elon Musk has been vocal about wanting to eliminate the block function on X (formerly Twitter) for some time. The X team has proposed a compromise by changing how blocking works on the platform. Instead of being completely blocked from seeing a user’s content, if someone you’ve blocked replies to one of your posts, you will now be able to see their reply. This change aims to allow users to identify and report potential harmful content that they could not view previously. However, this compromise has raised concerns about the impact of blocking on the app and the ability to maintain the integrity of the platform.
The current blocking system on X allows users to still view content from blocked profiles, potentially enabling them to engage with posts while being blocked by the other user. This flaw in the blocking system has prompted criticism from Elon Musk, who believes that people should not have the ability to completely block others. Musk has indicated his intention to remove the block feature altogether, except for direct messages. The issue with blocking is also exacerbated for large accounts that are being blocked by numerous users, leading to potential situations where negative comments can be made without the account owner’s awareness.
Despite the limitations of blocking, it still serves a purpose in allowing users to restrict interactions with certain profiles. However, the effectiveness of blocking has been questioned, as blocked accounts can still be accessed by logging out and viewing their public posts. Musk has suggested that muting may be a better alternative to blocking on the platform and has proposed the idea of a “stronger mute” replacing the block feature. App and Play Store rules require social networking apps to implement functionality for reporting and blocking users, which complicates efforts to eliminate blocking entirely.
The proposed changes to the block feature on X are part of the platform’s commitment to aligning with its principles as a public town square. The goal is to allow users to control their experience while maintaining the visibility of posts. The update highlights the shortcomings of X’s system rather than a fundamental issue with blocking itself. Elon Musk has also criticized public block lists, arguing that they disrupt the recommendation system and create a potential vulnerability. It remains to be seen whether Musk and the X team will be able to fully remove blocking as they intend, given the requirements set by app stores.
Overall, the debate over the block feature on X raises questions about the balance between user control and platform integrity. While Musk and X aim to reduce the impact of blocking and enhance user experience, there are challenges in reconciling these goals with app store regulations. The compromise proposed by X reflects ongoing efforts to address the limitations of the block feature and align with the platform’s principles. As the discussion continues, it remains uncertain how the issue will be resolved and whether a more effective solution than traditional blocking can be implemented.