Threads get direct messages and the highlighter for hot topics

Threads was launched almost exactly two years ago as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter) and has now been given two functions that made Twitter popular back then. It is now also possible to exchange personal messages with other users in Threads. However, there has already been criticism, especially from women who fear harassment. The social network has also introduced the “Threads Highlighter”, which highlights trending topics in the feed. It was obviously inspired by the trends on Twitter, but without the #hashtag.

With direct messages, Threads is not only following X, but also its competitor Bluesky, which introduced this function much earlier. Bluesky introduced direct messages just over a year after the app became available, namely in May 2024. Together with the trends and highlights, Threads is becoming increasingly similar to its big role model X.

Direct messages criticized

However, the direct messages in Threads are initially limited to exchanges between two people. Messages are also only allowed from followers on Threads and Instagram who are at least 18 years old. However, Meta Platforms promises to expand the messaging function soon, for example by adding group chats and inbox filters. In the future, users will also be able to decide for themselves whether they want to receive messages from people who are not followers of Threads or Instagram.

According to Meta Platforms, direct messaging was one of the most frequently requested functions for Threads, but apparently there are quite a few dissenting voices. The announcement of direct messages by Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri on Threads has attracted many negative comments. Female users in particular fear harassment through private messages from other users and demand to be able to switch off the function.

No encryption of messages

In contrast to WhatsApp, Meta's dedicated messenger, direct messages on Threads are not encrypted. “We don't encrypt our direct messages,” Emily Dalton Smith, responsible for products at Threads, told TechCrunch. “It's really just about reaching out directly and talking to people about what's going on. It makes encryption less central to the experience, in my opinion.”

This is intended to differentiate it from the Group's other services. According to Meta Platforms, more than a third of regular Threads users follow accounts on Threads besides Instagram. This would overlap by less than 50 percent. Despite the interlinking of these two networks, this indicates that Threads is building up its user base. Because, Smith added, “Instagram is really for creativity and Threads is really for perspectives”.

These perspectives are now also to be emphasized by the highlighter on Threads. Threads had already started a test with trends more than a year ago. Posts from other users that match the topics are now displayed in the feed. These are highlighted in color to attract more attention. According to Meta, this should stimulate further conversations. However, the highlighters will also be placed elsewhere in the future, Meta Platforms announced.

(fds)