Threads launched a new feature called "Hidden Words," allowing users to automatically mute words, phrases, and emojis that might be offensive.
The app has a preset filter but users are free to add their own custom words and phrases in the settings based on their preferences.
(Photo : Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
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Threads Adds Hidden Words Feature to Mitigate Offensive Content on Feed
Threads and Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced that the feature is now rolling out across users. The app plans to increase the user's personal control of their feed by removing words and phrases that might be offensive or unnecessary to them.
The platform also shared that the filter works from both "Following" and "For You" feeds, search results, profiles, and replies to posts. Users can still disable these settings any time they want.
In addition, the company is also hinting at an upcoming feature that will allow users to limit who can quote their posts. Users will also have the power to manually remove the quotes from their posts.
"Since quoting a post is one of the most visible ways to connect with someone on Threads, it was important for us to give people more agency over who can engage with them and help reduce unwanted interactions," a company spokesperson explained.
How Threads' Hidden Words Work
To test the Hidden Words feature users can simply go to the privacy segment of settings and click it. Once enabled, the filter will automatically work but users are free to manage custom words, phrases, and emojis to hide.
"Posts on Threads that include items on your list will be filtered out of the feed and will be covered in search results and on others' profiles. Replies to your posts will be hidden under the Hidden replies cover at the bottom of your post," the company support page read.
The filter works on both Threads and Instagram. However, the effectivity will only be applied to posts that are published after the setting was enabled and added to the custom list.
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