X hides ‘likes’ for users’ posts. : Analysis

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has decided to limit users’ ability to view the posts that other users have liked. This update restricts users to only see the posts they have liked themselves. The change was introduced to enhance user privacy protection, as announced by X on Wednesday.

According to the social media platform, users will still have access to posts they have liked, but others will not be able to view this information. Like counts and other metrics for one’s own posts will continue to be visible under notifications, but the feature to see who liked someone else’s post has been removed.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, emphasized the significance of this alteration, calling it an “important change.” X’s director of engineering, Haofei Wang, previously criticized the like feature for promoting undesirable online behavior by discouraging users from endorsing potentially controversial content to avoid negative repercussions.

Under Musk’s ownership, X has implemented multiple modifications, including a reduction in moderation and the lifting of bans on previously restricted accounts like those of Donald Trump and Alex Jones. Musk asserts that these adjustments have favored free speech, although critics argue that the platform now facilitates hateful speech and misinformation.

In a recent update, X modified its guidelines to permit the sharing of consensual and distinctly labeled sexual content.

Analysis:
The article discusses X, previously known as Twitter, implementing a change to limit users’ ability to view posts liked by others to enhance privacy protection. The information presented seems credible as it includes statements from X’s director of engineering and Elon Musk, the platform’s owner. However, the article should provide a wider range of perspectives to ensure a balanced view of the topic.

There may be a potential bias in the article towards highlighting Elon Musk’s role in the platform’s changes, which could influence readers’ opinions about the alterations. The article also raises concerns about X allowing hateful speech and misinformation following Musk’s ownership, indicating potential implications for the platform’s credibility.

Considering the prevalence of misinformation and political influences in online platforms, readers should be critical of the information presented and verify facts from multiple sources to maintain an accurate understanding of the topic. The evolving political landscape and the spread of fake news can shape public perception, emphasizing the importance of critically evaluating information shared on social media platforms like X.

Source: Aljazeera news: X starts hiding ‘likes’ on users’ posts