Meta’s Threads app
Meta’s Threads app has gained significant traction, with ten million users signing up within its first seven hours, according to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta. The app aims to provide a friendly alternative to Twitter, which was acquired by Elon Musk in October. Many experts believe that Threads could attract disgruntled Twitter users who are unhappy with recent platform changes. Threads allows users to post up to 500 characters and offers features similar to Twitter. Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of maintaining a friendly platform as the key to its success. In response, Musk stated that being attacked by strangers on Twitter is preferable to the false happiness of Instagram.
When asked if Threads would surpass Twitter in size, Zuckerberg acknowledged that it would take time but expressed his belief in the need for a public conversations app with over one billion users. He also criticized Twitter for not accomplishing this feat and expressed hopes that Threads would succeed. Critics of the app have raised concerns about the potential use of user data, including health, financial, and browsing information linked to users’ identities, as mentioned in the Apple App Store. While Threads is available for download in over 100 countries, including the UK, its release in the EU has been delayed due to regulatory concerns.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, considers Threads to be an initial version with plans to introduce additional features, such as the ability to interact with users on other social media platforms like Mastodon. The company aims to leverage Instagram’s strengths in text-based content for the app. Although Threads is a standalone app, users log in using their Instagram accounts, with their Instagram username carrying over. They have the option to customize their profile specifically for Threads and can choose to follow the same accounts they do on Instagram. Users can maintain privacy on Instagram while being public on Threads.
The release of Threads poses potential challenges for Twitter, especially considering recent criticism of Meta’s business practices. Frances Haugen, a whistleblower, accused Meta of prioritizing profits over safety and criticized the platform’s moderation policies. Meta faced a scandal involving the unauthorized access of Facebook users’ personal data by third parties, including Cambridge Analytica. Musk jokingly alluded to this controversial past, stating, “Thank goodness they’re so sanely run.” While alternative platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon exist, they have struggled to gain widespread popularity. Threads has an advantage due to its connection with Instagram and the hundreds of millions of existing users on that platform.
In terms of functionality, Threads allows users to share posts between the app and Instagram, including links, photos, and videos up to five minutes in length. Some early users reported issues with uploading images, suggesting initial technical glitches. Users can view a feed of posts called “threads” from people they follow, along with recommended content. The app offers control over who can mention users and the ability to filter out replies containing specific words. Users can also unfollow, block, restrict, or report other profiles. Blocking an account on Instagram automatically extends to Threads. While Meta emphasizes the connection to Instagram, media coverage has focused on Threads’ similarities to Twitter, leading some investors to label it a potential “Twitter killer.”
In related news, Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter, recently restricted the number of tweets users could see per day on the platform, citing concerns about data scraping. This move was part of Musk’s efforts to promote Twitter Blue, the platform’s subscription service. Twitter also announced that its popular user dashboard, Tweet Deck, would be behind a paywall in 30 days. Since Musk assumed leadership, numerous Twitter users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the platform and his management, citing erratic behavior and political views. In a jestful exchange, Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO, even jokingly agreed to a cage fight. In his early posts on Threads, Zuckerberg mentioned his interest in mixed martial arts. While Threads is available in the UK, its launch in the EU has been delayed due to regulatory uncertainties surrounding the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which governs data sharing between large companies like Meta across their owned platforms. Meta is exploring the possibility of launching Threads in the EU and emphasizes the importance of protecting user privacy as a fundamental aspect of its business.
FAQ’s
How many users signed up for Meta’s Threads app within its first seven hours, according to Mark Zuckerberg?
Ten million users.
What are some of the features offered by Threads and how do they compare to Twitter?
Users can post up to 500 characters, similar to Twitter.
Offers features similar to Twitter, such as feeds, mentions, filtering replies, and following profiles.
What concerns have been raised about Threads regarding user data and its potential use?
Concerns about potential use of user data, including health, financial, and browsing information linked to users’ identities.
What plans does Meta have for the future of Threads and how does it aim to leverage Instagram’s strengths?
Meta plans to introduce additional features, such as interaction with users on other social media platforms.
Aims to leverage Instagram’s strengths in text-based content.
How does the release of Threads pose challenges for Twitter, and what recent criticisms has Meta faced in terms of its business practices?
Threads poses potential challenges for Twitter as it could attract disgruntled Twitter users.
Meta has faced criticism for prioritizing profits over safety and its moderation policies.
Meta faced scandals involving unauthorized access to user data and Cambridge Analytica.
