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Twitter Announce New Feature To Reduce Abusive Responses To Posts On The Platform

Twitter’s new approach to user management tools comes at a time when social media companies are being pressured to take more responsibility over the abuse and bullying that is present on their platforms. If you are affected by cyberbullying or anything touched on within this article, follow the links to our various support services or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to start using Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant.

Twitter have recently announced the introduction of a new safety feature that will fundamentally change how users manage replies to their posts, in an effort to reduce harmful mob-bullying and harassment. The new tool will give users the power to choose who they allow to respond to their tweets and to restrict or even ban abusive users and other unwanted responders.

The changes are part of Twitter’s mission to improve user experience by making the platform less open to abuse, which it is hoped will allow more productive and meaningful conversations to flow – free from trolling and mob-bullying. Mob-bullying or a ‘pile-on’ occurs when abusive users target tweets by including large numbers of followers in a call to arms which can often become a tide of abuse, drowning out any reasonable or measured conversation. Mob-bulling can be devastating for individuals, who can be targeted for perceived wrong doings or for simply having a point of view that differs from other people’s.

“People should not feel apprehensive or reluctant to express themselve for fear of mass reprisals on social media. Targets often feel overwhelmed by this kind of mob justice causing meaningful conversations to be shut down through fear and intimidation. This needs to change.”

Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation

The new tool will give users four different options for managing responses to their tweets; ‘Global’ setting will work as it is now, ‘Group’ will include people who are followed or included in the conversation, ‘Panel’ will allow only those included in the tweet to respond and one more setting will allow users to block all responses. Twitter’s new approach to user management tools comes at a time when social media companies are being pressured to take more responsibility over the abuse and bullying that is present on their platforms.

The move is the latest in a number of changes that Twitter has introduced over the last two years as part of a their continuing efforts to meet the challenges of encouraging healthy online interactions, freedom of speech and user wellbeing.

If you are affected by any kind of online negativity, we can help you. Visit our Cyberbullying Help Center or click on the blue logo icon at the bottom right of the screen to open Cybersmile Assistant, our smart AI support assistant. For further information about Cybersmile and the work we do, please explore the following suggestions:

What do you think about this user safety development from Twitter? Share your thoughts by contacting us or tweet us @CybersmileHQ.