Among social media platforms, Twitter is one of the few that still lets you reach people without having to pay a dime. Unfortunately, this means that people can also contact you even when you might not want them to.
While many people use Twitter to connect with like-minded people, improve their career prospects, and vent into the internet void, others use it for more nefarious means. Through the years, many Twitter users have felt unsafe with various types of unwelcome interactions, from stalking to outright harassment.
Twitter is trying to make these uncomfortable experiences a thing of the past with its new Safety Mode feature. Here’s how it works:
What Is Safety Mode?
In September 2021, Twitter stated that it’s piloting a new Safety Mode feature to reduce disruptive interactions. As of writing, Twitter is rolling out the feature to a small feedback group of iOS, Android, and Twitter.com website users.
Using Safety Mode, you can temporarily block accounts for up to seven days for harmful language or harassment. This includes things like uninvited mentions or replies. While Twitter hasn’t released the complete list of problematic terms, it’s interesting to speculate how Twitter might handle the review system.
From the initial PR photos, it appears that Safety Mode is a general feature that you can toggle on to auto-block accounts. You can also view which accounts Twitter has automatically blocked for you. According to Twitter, its technology will consider existing relationships, so you won’t need to worry about auto-blocking those you frequently interact with.
Lastly, Twitter will also send you notifications recapping information before the seven-day Safety Mode period ends. That way, you can decide whether to block someone for good.
How Safety Mode Might Work
While Safety Mode’s implementation has yet to be seen, there’s a lot of potential for this new feature. Users commonly note growing problems within social media websites like endless bots, doxing threats, and divisive algorithms. Safety mode can help protect users from these dangers, mitigate individual harassment and avoid organized attacks by large-scale groups.
When it comes to managing Twitter mobs, the seven-day break could de-escalate potential Twitter feuds before they get out of hand. Seven days may also be enough to divert the attention of people looking to make a person’s life temporarily unbearable.
On the other hand, the feature may also reduce the controversial conversation sometimes required to grow an audience. Additionally, while some language may seem harmful, it may be the only way to communicate valid points of natural discourse.
Aside from the existing ways to protect yourself on Twitter, Safety Mode treads the middle ground between doing nothing and outright blocking a user. You could even say that it acts like a virtual time-out for adults, which some people may need. One thing’s for sure: many users will benefit from Safety Mode.
Internet Safety on Twitter
As the virtual world becomes just as real as the one outside it, Safety Mode reminds users that there is are actual human beings at the other end of mentions and DMs. And while it’s always difficult to tell how Twitter will execute new features, Safety Mode’s success will ultimately depend on how its technology manages its sentiment tracking.
Twitter’s Safety Mode is just one tool for making people feel safe online. Aside from Safety Mode, it’s also possible to block users or maintain a private account. Unfortunately, these options are never a substitute for civility, manners, or compassion. But teaching people to take a step back when the heat is on is definitely a start.
About The Author
Quina Baterna
(102 Articles Published)
Quina spends most of her days day drinking at the beach while writing about how technology affects politics, security, and entertainment.
She is primarily based in Southeast Asia and graduated with a degree in Information Design.
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