X, formerly Twitter, has made a controversial move by announcing plans to remove the blocking feature. Elon Musk, the owner of X, said, "High time this happened. The block function will block that account from engaging with, but not block seeing, public posts."
This decision is part of X's vision of reshaping user engagement and conversation dynamics. But how is X expected to change without allowing users to block others?
The Implications of Removing the Block Function
Currently, blocking someone on X means they can't see your posts, replies, media, or other info. When a blocked user tries seeing your profile, they’re greeted with the "You're blocked" message. However, Musk says that this will change shortly.
Removing this feature will change the dynamics of online communication on X. Privacy concerns like harassment and stalking may increase, creating a hostile and unsafe environment. Users could feel uncomfortable sharing personal information or expressing their opinions openly if they know their posts can be seen by individuals they have blocked.
The Reason Behind the Change
According to The Verge, the logic is that people can already view posts from public accounts that block them by logging out or using another account. However, they have also pointed out that X currently prevents users from viewing profiles if logged out.
Additionally, Musk has previously believed that the block function is annoying and should be replaced with a more potent mute form. The mute function doesn't offer the same level of protection as blocking someone, as it only prevents the muted user from seeing your posts. It doesn't prevent them from viewing your profile or engaging with other users.
The Broader Impact on User Experience
Removing the block function on X raises several security concerns. Users who are no longer allowed to block accounts could be exposed to unwanted content, messages, and threats, which could create a hostile and unsafe environment.
It is important to note that this decision isn’t universally supported. Many users have opposed this change, citing concerns about privacy, safety, and overall user experience. Whether Elon Musk will reconsider his decision or this change will become a permanent feature of X remains to be seen.