Twitter is Testing a New Feature

Image taken from Pixabay

Twitter is joining many other tech companies by offering disappearing tweets. Twitter is testing disappearing tweets, called Fleets, in Brazil. The concept will allow users to tweet something, and it will delete after 24 hours. The Fleets will not be in a user's regular feed. Instead, it can be viewed by clicking on a profile's picture, or avatar. This feature is similar to Instagram stories or Snapchat. Additionally, Fleets cannot be retweeted or responded to by anyone. Only direct messages can be sent regarding Fleets.

The new feature is already attracting criticism. People are wondering how Twitter will be able to regulate content that disappears after 24 hours. A spokesperson from Twitter said that Fleets are "subject to the same rules as tweets and the company will take enforcement action against violators." It is also important to note that Twitter will keep Fleets in their system even after they disappear. Apparently, this is to help enforce Twitter's terms and conditions. If the Fleet is not in violation, it will eventually be deleted from Twitter's system.

I personally do not use Twitter. However, I am on other social media platforms that use similar disappearing technology. I think the feature can be useful when you want to post a birthday shoutout or even when you want to post a picture but do not want the pressure of getting likes. I believe this new feature could be a good way for Twitter to stay competitive in the tech community. I do think that Twitter needs to be transparent with users and let them know that their 'disappearing' content will be saved for a certain period of time.

It is unclear how long Twitter will test the technology in Brazil before releasing it worldwide. But, only time will tell if Fleets will be a success for Twitter.

Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/04/tech/twitter-disappearing-tweets/index.html