Overview
Elon Musk’s social network, X (formerly Twitter), is exploring a new feature that would allow users to block others from direct messaging them without affecting their public posting. This move could be a significant step in creating a more robust messaging app within the platform.
The Current State of Blocking on X
Currently, when you block an account on X, it prevents the blocked user from engaging with you through both public posts and direct messages (DMs). However, with the new feature, the company would have two separate blocking functions: one for personal messaging and one for public posting.
The New Feature
The proposed DM blocking feature is a response to growing demands from users who want to engage in private conversations without being exposed to public interactions. This new functionality aims to decouple direct messages from public posting, allowing users to use the platform solely for messaging purposes while avoiding public engagement.
Elon Musk’s Announcement
Yesterday, several app sleuths published screenshots of how DM blocks would look on X. Elon Musk responded to one of these posts with a quote: ‘DMs are being decoupled from public posting, so that if you all want to use this platform for messaging, but not post publicly, you can do so.’ [^1]
This phrasing is intriguing because it implies that users would be able to separate their private conversations from public interactions. However, another possibility could be the introduction of a separate app with enhanced features.
Comparisons with Signal
In the past, Musk has mentioned his ambition to ‘superset Signal,’ which means having all the functionality of Signal (a popular end-to-end encrypted messaging app) and more. Separating how public blocks and DM blocks work on X could be an initial step toward making the platform a more robust messaging app for those who don’t want to engage with its public social network.
Recent Upgrades to DMs
DMs have undergone other upgrades recently, including the introduction of a feature that allows users to edit messages for someone. This move is part of X’s efforts to enhance user experience and provide more flexibility in private conversations.
Speculation About Rollout
As with many features on X lately, the DM blocking feature is still in development. There are no details about when it might be publicly rolled out. Under Musk’s ownership, X has become less responsive to requests for comment, fueling speculation about how and when new features will be introduced.
Timeline of Events
- Earlier this month: X released a feature that lets users edit messages.
- Yesterday: Several app sleuths published screenshots of how DM blocks would look on X.
- Present day: Elon Musk is exploring the possibility of introducing separate blocking functions for public posting and direct messaging.
The Future of Messaging on X
The introduction of a separate DM blocking feature has significant implications for users who want to maintain their private conversations without being exposed to public interactions. As X continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this new feature affects user engagement and behavior.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s vision for X includes creating a more robust messaging app that caters to the needs of users who prefer private conversations. The introduction of separate blocking functions for public posting and direct messaging is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on how well it addresses user concerns about privacy and security.
Notes
[^1]: Elon Musk (@elonmusk), September 11, 2024