Twitter is getting an edit button. Is it Musk effect?
Microblogging platform Twitter has finally decided to add the frequently requested 'edit' button. The company, via a tweet, has announced that it is working on a new feature that will let users edit their tweets after posting them. It will be first tested with Twitter Blue subscribers. A recent poll by Elon Musk on the same showed overwhelming support for adding such a feature.
Over 4.4 million votes; 73% voted yes for 'edit button'
Why does this story matter?
Tweets have the power to control political and social discourse. With that power comes the responsibility to tweet wisely, but that hasn't been the case always. The demand for an edit button stems from the fact that people are bound to make mistakes and should be allowed to correct such mistakes. However, it needs to be seen how this feature will be implemented.
What will the 'edit' button do?
The ability to edit tweets after posting them has been a constant demand of Twitter users. The upcoming edit feature will let users fix errors and typos in a tweet without affecting already accrued likes, replies, or retweets. The company has been testing the feature since last year and its implementation will depend on finding a "safe manner" in which it can be used.
'Edit could be misused to alter record of public conversation'
Jay Sullivan, the company's VP of consumer product, said that the company has been "exploring how to build an Edit feature in a safe manner since last year." "Without things like time limits, controls, and transparency about what has been edited, Edit could be misused to alter the record of the public conversation," he added.
Former CEO Jack Dorsey was reluctant to add edit feature
The demand for an 'Edit Tweet' feature has been going on for so long that it has become an ongoing joke among Twitterati. However, the company has always been reluctant. This reluctance was showcased clearly when former CEO Jack Dorsey said in 2020 that Twitter would "probably never" add the feature. This stance appears to have changed since Parag Agarwal became the CEO.
