Weird bug messes Twitter notifications, informs about account unfollows
What's the story
Every social media service faces the problem of bugs, but Twitter is dealing with something extremely weird right now. A number of users of the microblogging site have reported that they are getting notifications for unfollowing. Meaning, whenever a person unfollows a Twitter account, the owner of that accounts gets a notification. Here's all about the issue.
Normal working
Twitter lets you unfollow without informing
In its normal configuration, Twitter lets you follow and unfollow without any restriction. When you follow a user, they get a notification for the same, but when you unfollow, they are not notified about the action. Plus, you can also configure Twitter to notify you about updates from the people you follow, like when they post a tweet, mention someone or retweet something.
Issue
However, this bug has messed things up
Over the last few days, multiple users have reported about an issue which appears to be mixing Twitter unfollows with follows. Basically, whenever a person unfollows a user, the service notifies the user that they have been *followed*. So, in essence, the user opens the notification about a follow but actually finds that they have been unfollowed, which is pretty annoying.
Confirmation
Twitter spokesperson confirmed the bug, says fix coming soon
After a number of complaints about the bug, first reported by Vice, a Twitter spokesperson confirmed the issue to the outlet. The representative claimed that the company is working on a fix but denied providing any information about when the fix would be available. To note, the issue first started appearing earlier this month.
Fix
Till then, it is recommended to keep notifications disabled
The bug has been spotted by a number of users, but it isn't applicable for everyone using the service; we weren't able to replicate the issue. However, until Twitter issues a fix, it is recommended to disable notifications for Twitter's Android and iOS apps as a way to save yourself from unnecessary confusion. When the fix is available, you can update the app.
Twitter Post
Here's a tweet from a user witnessing the issue
Twitter gives me notifications when people unfollow me saying that they followed me, it’s the funniest thing ever. 😂
— sheryse 🧚🏻♂️ (@shervse) June 16, 2019