The disappearance of a function that connected users
For two months now, the Twitter platform, which now appears as ‘X’, has removed the ability to see who has ‘liked’ a tweet. That functionality, which allowed for some degree of gossiping, is now gone, leaving users without a tool that often provided insight into social interactions within the network. Previously, you could find out who had shown interest in a particular tweet, an activity that could reveal personal and social dynamics.
A change that goes beyond simple interactions
At first glance, this loss may seem trivial, but its impact extends to the way we perceive online interaction. As discussed in classical philosophical texts, such as Plato’s myth of the Ring of Gyges, the ability to act without being observed can induce behaviors that we would normally avoid. Musk’s new policy provides a layer of anonymity that can facilitate irresponsible and, at worst, harmful actions.
The dilemma of anonymity in social networks
The decision to restrict the visibility of ‘likes’ is accompanied by a noticeable increase in problematic content on the platform. With an increase in fake accounts and looser control over content, the situation has become more complicated. Musk’s measures, which he claims stand for free speech, have facilitated an environment where hate speech can proliferate without obvious consequences.
Privacy or control: a digital paradox
The notion of privacy on Twitter has been misunderstood. While the removal of ‘likes’ may seem like a defense of individual privacy, in reality, covert surveillance is taking place. User data is more vulnerable than ever, with signs that the company’s new management may be compromising the security of personal information. Instead of providing a shield, the platform has created an ecosystem of vulnerability.
Critical thinking in the age of disinformation
The discussion of critical thinking has become a recurring theme in digital debates. There are those who argue that today’s society imposes a single way of thinking that limits alternative ideas. However, this claim often results in the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, where debate spaces are transformed into disinformation ecosystems, fueled by a sense of freedom of expression, but often resulting in further polarization.
Final thoughts on the future of Twitter
Musk’s Twitter is like a slowly boiling frog, with each change raising the temperature of the public debate. The disappearance of public ‘likes’ is just one of many measures that have altered the dynamics of the network, leaving users in an increasingly confusing and potentially dangerous space. Although the platform maintains a certain attraction, its future is uncertain, and many will wonder if, in the end, its value as a communication space will overcome its limitations and inherent risks.