Threads: The new Twitter rival looks like a clever move but lacks credibility in the meta

Mark Zuckerberg’s new social media platform, threadshas been released in smartphone app stores (although not in the EU, At least that’s what Zuckerberg, chief executive of Threads’ parent company Meta, says. 30 million users signed up On the first day of the app. According to some speculative reporting, Threads It is possible A Trusted alternative to Twitter,

Since then Twitter acquired by Elon Musk In October 2022, Twitter has developed a reputation for making hasty decisions user data, Security And this reliable operation of the site. These include the saga of replacing the traditional “blue tick”. validation system With paid version.

Concern has also been expressed around Moderation policies relaxed and remove free Access to Twitter’s API– Program interface that allowed third-party developers and academics to interact with the platform. There is also speculation that Twitter’s problems will increase. May frustrate some advertisers,

Launching an alternative to Twitter in the midst of the current turmoil may seem smart. However, early data from Meta suggests that the potential for long-term and wide-scale public interest in Threads is not guaranteed. However, it is important to note that Meta has a substantial user base and strong staff infrastructure.

If widely adopted, Threads could potentially challenge Twitter’s dominant position and have a significant impact on its operations. According to the Pew Research Center, the largest number of Twitter users are in the US. took a break From the stage last year.

Social media platforms have a global reach, but the way they are structured and the way owners make business decisions is still based on grabbing territory. For example, this can be seen in the way that advertising is targeted to users with particular views or interests. From this perspective, the growing tension between different platforms is not a passing phase, but central features of the way social media works.

mass migration

Mass migration has started. Many users are leaving Twitter for decentralized and community-driven systems like Mastodon.

In November 2022, 130,000 users signed up daily to use that platform. Mastodon is a “non-federated” system, meaning that each computer server is run by a separate administrator. Unlike Twitter, Mastodon users are not subject to the whims of any chief executive.

Meanwhile, Meta benefits from an established user pipeline for advertising revenue as well as the ability to synchronize cross-platform data sharing and the latter opportunities for third-party commercial benefits.

The phenomenon of user lock-in is a primary factor in the widespread adoption of these platforms. Lock-in is where it becomes difficult for businesses to switch to rival platforms. Facebook is the leading platform for community groups and the largest online marketplace for the exchange of goods and services.

Instagram (owned by Meta) is popular for sharing photos and meme-based content, especially among users who are older than TikTok’s core user base. Threads will instantly grab information like followers and contacts from Instagram accounts and use it to build user profiles.

One way to increase user count could be to replicate user IDs across all meta products, not just Instagram. Then, users with an existing Facebook, Messenger or WhatsApp profile will automatically have access to a Threads account.

trust issues

Yet the primary obstacle to threads is that meta lacks significant credibility in the eyes of many.

Cambridge Analytica Scandal in 2018 brought to light problems with a commercial model based on data harvesting (in which the consulting firm collected data from millions of Facebook users without their consent). then, the degree of disbelief Underscore Meta’s market offering, with allegations of spread of fake news and concerns about Spreading Russian propaganda and political bias Through content shared during the last US presidential election.

According to Northwestern University researchersTrust in Twitter has waned a bit since Musk took over. However, a new social networking proposition from Meta will not, by itself, increase trust in Meta, and this is critical to increasing Thread’s unique users.

Social media users may wish for a platform like Twitter that is free from irrational and erratic behavior. Today, Twitter is a complex environment to navigate, where priority is given to verified accounts. For example, through extended character limits And additional visibility,

Twitter’s future may be limited to serving as a niche platform for a niche community, similar to apps like parlor And true socialWhich has gained popularity among people with extremist ideologies.

there have been examples of Casteism, Hatred against womanhoodanti-Jewish rhetoric and Derogatory speech towards the LGBTQ+ community on Twitter.

Recent in-depth investigation by BBC, forbes And this Washington Post Has argued that Twitter’s system for reporting hate speech is ineffective.

The key to commercial viability is convincing advertisers that there is a strong market offering for Meta – one that is more stable and reliable than Twitter. Meta should assure users that their data is secure in Threads and the new platform creates a secure environment within which to maintain any other social media profile.

This article has been republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons Licence. read the original article,