Elon Musk hints removing ‘block’ user option on X, claims lack of logic in the feature

Elon Musk's social media company, X, previously Twitter, is undergoing a change by progressively removing the 'block' option for users, with one exception. On 18 August 2023, Musk announced that the ‘block’ feature on the microblogging platform ‘X would be abolished due to its lack of logic.

Responding to a tweet from Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, Musk confirmed that the block feature will be eliminated, except for direct messaging. The move has sparked discussions and arguments, bringing another layer of chaos to the platform since his acquisition last year.

What other changes are being made to X?

According to a statement made on the platform by Elon Musk, the 'block' option, which allows users to ban particular accounts from interacting with them, reading their posts, or following them, is going to be progressively taken away. Musk said that the 'block' option will be available just for direct messages (DMs).

While the 'block' option is set to be removed, the mute function is set to remain. The mute option allows users to filter out particular accounts without triggering alerts for the other party involved. Musk's preservation of the mute feature could be viewed as a balancing act between preserving users' freedom of expression and guaranteeing a measure of control.

X CEO emphasises user safety amidst controversy

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, emphasised the paramount importance of user safety following Elon Musk's announcement of the removal of the blocking feature. Yaccarino assured that users' safety remains their top concern and revealed that the company is actively developing an improved alternative to the existing blocking and muting functionalities.

Yaccarino's statement was made in reply to anti-bullying advocate Monica Lewinsky's post, urging both the Twitter CEO and Elon Musk to reconsider the decision to eliminate the block feature. Lewinsky stressed the significance of the block feature in safeguarding individuals from online harassment and bullying.

In response, Yaccarino defended the move by Musk, indicating that the safety of X's users is their highest priority. She disclosed ongoing efforts to create an enhanced system that goes beyond the current block and mute capabilities, while also encouraging continuous feedback from users.

Offering security while navigating user interactions

By restricting access to certain accounts, Twitter's ‘block’ feature allows users to control their interactions and protect themselves from harassment, bullying, and unwanted attention. The blocked account can determine that it has been blocked by looking at the blocker's profile, even if alerts are not sent when an account is blocked.

In contrast, ‘mute’ enables users to hide tweets from a particular account from their timeline without unfollowing or blocking that account. Muting is an undetectable method of controlling content exposure, in contrast to blocking. These options demonstrate Twitter's commitment to providing consumers with control over their online interactions while upholding privacy.