When our editor assigned us the task of reviewing Threads, Meta’s new social network, we saw it as a nostalgic journey. As longtime tech journalists, we’ve covered social networks for over a decade. In recent years, the social media landscape has remained mostly stagnant, with Meta’s Instagram and Facebook dominating the scene. But Threads, spun out of Instagram, disrupts this status quo by offering a platform for real-time public conversations. This app has the potential to challenge Twitter’s reign as the hub of conversation. However, we were unsure how we would take to Threads, considering our different levels of engagement with Twitter.
Hey, Mike! It’s been a while since we collaborated on a review. We used to geek out over new PlayStation and Xbox releases back in the day. Now we’re back together, what’s the reason this time?
Yes, we’re back to explore the hottest social app of the moment – Threads by Meta. After spending a few days with it, I’m considering whether I can replace my Twitter addiction with this “friendlier” social network crafted by Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief. So far, I’m enjoying it, but it does feel like a stripped-down version of Twitter. No hashtags and heavy reliance on influencers. The worst part is that people in my replies don’t seem to appreciate my jokes, which usually do well on Twitter. I’m worried that Instagram users migrating to Threads don’t know how to effectively engage with the platform.
Indeed, it’s interesting. Threads is essentially a Twitter clone, but Meta aims to introduce the concept to Instagram users who are not familiar with tweeting. This transition period might be a bit awkward. Let me provide some context. Threads is a free app available for download on Apple and Google app stores. To set it up, you simply connect it with your Instagram account. Threads then encourages you to follow all your Instagram friends. It presents a timeline of posts, allowing you to compose short memos that are publicly visible. While you can include photos, the primary focus is on text, similar to Twitter. What are the immediate differences you noticed compared to Twitter?
Threads resembles Twitter, but on easy mode. Firstly, it features algorithmic curation, just like Facebook and Instagram. When you enter Threads, you’re presented with a variety of posts based on your interests, regardless of when they were posted. This contrasts with Twitter’s reverse chronological timeline, which displays all posts in the order they were published. The algorithmic curation in Threads seems intentional, aiming to create a “friendly” experience for newcomers. While it feels somewhat sterile to me, I appreciate not being bombarded with hate speech and racism, which is a significant advantage.
Personally, I find Meta’s interest-based algorithm quite off-putting. It has flooded my Threads feed with posts from accounts I don’t follow, mainly influencers and brands promoting their products. I see very few posts from my actual friends. Admittedly, Twitter’s timeline isn’t great either, as changes have affected what users see on the platform. For instance, posts now require an $8 monthly Twitter Blue subscription to appear on others’ timelines. Another notable difference is the character limit. Threads allows up to 400 characters, whereas Twitter limits free accounts to 280 characters. Do you think the increased character limit is beneficial?
In my opinion, more characters don’t necessarily enhance the experience. Brevity is the soul of wit, isn’t it? A great tweet excels in its concise form; it shouldn’t resemble a blog post within a brief message. Twitter has even tested a paid option, Twitter Blue, where users can post tweets with up to 10,000 characters. I feel this deviates from Twitter’s original purpose of sharing short-form messages. But maybe I’m just a curmudgeon. I’m curious, how has your experience been on Threads, combining your Twitter self with your Instagram following?
It’s been quite challenging for me as well, so I haven’t posted much. Like many others, I converted my Instagram account to private years ago to protect my family’s privacy. It became a network exclusively for friends. Now, with Threads, I have to reconsider what I share publicly. It’s a bit overwhelming. How about you? Do you think Threads has the potential to become the next big thing, considering your higher level of engagement on Twitter compared to mine?
I don’t gamble on tech products as if they were racehorses, but based on my observations of how regular tech users interact with social networks, I don’t believe Threads will see extensive usage. Truthfully, neither Twitter nor Threads can be classified as social networks. They are primarily broadcasting platforms for brands, celebrities, politicians, and media outlets to share information with their followers. This type of platform doesn’t fully capture how people socialize in real communities. In social clubs, individuals gather in smaller groups based on shared interests. They don’t crowd into a massive conference room and shout like we do on Twitter, and now, Threads.
Absolutely. I have a considerable Twitter following who are familiar with my tone and understand my jokes. However, I’m fully aware that if one of my tweets goes viral and reaches an audience outside my circle, I’ll undoubtedly be misinterpreted and possibly insulted. This phenomenon is often referred to as “context collapse.”
Meta recognizes this issue too. A few years ago, Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged the shift toward smaller, more private networks within the social media landscape. Private Facebook groups and messaging apps became popular alternatives. I must give a shout-out to the private Slack and Discord groups I’m a part of, which only consist of a handful of close friends.
That’s an astute observation. People have realized that sharing personal information in the public sphere isn’t always the best idea. Additionally, if I want to have a conversation with you, why publicly mention you instead of sending a direct message? This is a key feature that’s missing from Threads compared to Twitter. Direct messaging makes Threads an inferior product for now. However, considering Instagram already has it, I’m confident it will be added to Threads in due time.
I do believe there’s a performative aspect to public conversations. When I engage with you publicly, there’s a different tone and meaning, as if we’re speaking on stage in front of an audience. It’s fun, but it can quickly turn unfun. Messaging, as you rightly pointed out, helps navigate through these challenges.
Engaging with brands and influencers through text has already proven effective…
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
