X, the popular social media platform, is making a significant change that will impact how users interact with content. According to a reliable source within the company, X will soon be introducing private likes, a feature that will hide users’ likes by default. This change, which is currently only available to X’s Premium subscribers, is set to roll out today.
The decision to hide likes is aimed at protecting users’ public image, as stated by X’s director of engineering, Haofei Wang. Wang explained that many users feel hesitant to like certain content due to fear of judgment or backlash. With the Likes tab on user profiles being removed, users will no longer see who liked someone else’s post. However, they will still be able to view the total like count and see who liked their own posts.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, recently shared his support for the upcoming change, emphasizing the importance of allowing users to express their appreciation without facing criticism. Musk’s endorsement of private likes further solidifies the platform’s commitment to creating a more positive and inclusive environment for its users.
In addition to the introduction of private likes, Musk has expressed his desire to shift the platform’s focus away from like counts altogether. He aims to place more emphasis on post views, also known as “impressions,” by removing the like and repost buttons entirely. This strategic move aligns with the broader trend in social media towards de-emphasizing like counts, reflecting a shift towards more meaningful engagement and interaction.
The decision to implement private likes and reevaluate the importance of like counts underscores X’s dedication to fostering a supportive and less judgmental online community. As users prepare for these changes, they can look forward to a more authentic and positive social media experience on the platform.
With Elon Musk confirming the upcoming updates, users can expect to see a more user-centric and engaging platform that prioritizes meaningful interactions over superficial metrics. As X continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of social media, users can anticipate a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages genuine connections and positive engagement among its community members.