The new feature will allow users to reply to a tweet via a private message, so no one else will be able to see the response publicly, only the account receiving the message. The social network has already confirmed the new tool and explains that it is already available to a group of iPhone users who are already experiencing the app update.
“When you want to reply directly to the author of a Tweet, we're making it easier to send direct messages from your timeline to start a conversation. Now testing a DM icon in Tweets with some of you on iOS,” the social network explains in one of its tweets.
For when you want to reply directly to a Tweet's author, we're making it easier to DM them from your timeline to start a conversation.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) February 3, 2022
Now testing a DM icon on Tweets with some of you on iOS.
In the same replies to the post, users commented on their thoughts: “This is a security issue that opens the door to further harassment. Please reconsider,” commented user @1brightman1. To which the social network immediately responds, “We understand the concern. Our goal here is to make it easier to engage with a Tweet – sometimes replying publicly can be daunting. If you’re getting unwanted DMs, you can limit who can DM you in settings, block an account, or report a message if you think it breaks our rules.”
We understand the concern. Our goal here is to make it easier to engage with a Tweet – sometimes replying publicly can be daunting. If you’re getting unwanted DMs, you can limit who can DM you in settings, block an account, or report a message if you think it breaks our rules.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) February 4, 2022
To prevent unwanted direct messages, the network suggests users understand the actions they can take against such messages, in addition to the following measures:
- You are in control and can opt out of receiving direct messages from anyone you don't follow in your settings.
- Twitter filters potentially graphic media and spam.
- You can report direct messages by tapping and holding on the message on mobile or by clicking the three dots next to it on the web.