Changes Coming to X: The Evolution of the Block Feature
A lot has transformed on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter since Elon Musk acquired it two years ago. Now rebranded as X, the platform is on the cusp of yet another significant adjustment, particularly regarding the blocking functionality that users have relied on for years.
The block feature, a crucial tool that effectively renders your account invisible to selected users, will soon undergo a noteworthy modification. Upcoming changes will allow blocked users to view the posts of those who have blocked them. According to a recent announcement made via X’s engineering account, while blocked individuals will be able to see public posts, they will not have the ability to interact with them in any form.
“High time this happened,” Musk commented on the platform last month, following the revelation of this impending change. “The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, public post.”
As expected, this announcement has sparked a wave of criticism on X, with many users expressing concern that this alteration paves the way for voyeuristic behavior on the site. James O’Brien, a well-known author and podcaster based in London, encapsulated the sentiments of numerous users with a post that likened the change to Berthold Woltze’s renowned painting, “The Irritating Gentleman.”
Mr. O’Brien articulates that the current iteration of the block feature serves two primary purposes: it enables users to manage who can access their posts while simultaneously allowing them to mute individuals they may deem toxic. This dual functionality has been pivotal for many in maintaining a positive online experience.