Elon Musk Aims to Remove Block Feature and Link Headlines on X
Get ready for some more tweaks on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Elon Musk is currently involved in making changes to how news links are displayed on X. These modifications have the potential to impact the way news publishers attract audiences. Musk has also communicated that on platform X, users will no longer be able to block other accounts.
The plan is to streamline things by ditching the headline and description with news links. This would leave only the lead image of an article to show up alongside the link. According to Fortune, this social network intends to display just the link and the header image within a post. Elon Musk confirmed this move in a post on Monday, emphasizing that the idea comes “directly” from him. He believes that this adjustment will significantly enhance the visual appeal of the platform.
Could we soon be saying goodbye to link headlines and descriptions on X?
An insider, as per the Fortune report, mentioned that this update has a dual purpose. That it aims to reduce the post’s vertical size, allowing more posts to fit on a single screen. And Musk hopes that removing headlines from the preview card will put a damper on clickbait tactics. However, without the preview card, there’s a possibility that publications or blogs might simply use any text to entice users to click on links.
Musk also recently expressed that journalists aiming for more autonomy and better income should consider publishing directly on X.
X’s Block Feature
Furthermore, X is reportedly considering the removal of the feature that lets users block other accounts within the app. Musk responded to a user’s query on the platform regarding when to block versus mute someone. His answer was that the “block” function is going to be phased out as a “feature,” except for direct messages. He finds the block feature pointless and is suggesting a better mute option. Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s former founder, fully supports this, responding with “100% Mute only.”
It’s worth noting that if X were to remove the ability to block users, it could potentially conflict with the policies of both the App Store and the Google Play Store. This, in turn, might lead to X being pulled from these platforms, in accordance with the guidelines established by Apple and Google.
If the block feature is indeed removed, it remains unclear whether accounts that were previously blocked will automatically become unblocked.
Twitter's 'X' Rebrand Sparks Hilarious Reactions
Elon Musk has dramatically revealed a brand makeover for Twitter — he’s now calling it “X” — and the reactions are pouring in. Musk has decided to discard the familiar name and the instantly recognizable bird logo.
Although the site has seen design alterations before (initially appearing as ‘Twittr’), the bird graphic became the logo of the company since its introduction in 2010. And “tweeting” and “retweet” became part of our everyday language that was specific to the platform.
Musk surprised everyone with his announcement on Sunday, and by Monday morning, he tweeted that X.com now redirects to Twitter.com. He followed up with, “Interim X logo goes live later today,” and not long after, he posted a picture of Twitter’s headquarters illuminated with a massive new X.
The Twitter website has now adopted the new logo, leaving behind the familiar blue bird. In a previous statement, Musk expressed his intention to bid farewell to the Twitter brand and gradually eliminate all bird-related elements.
Twitter has prominently featured its vibrant and globally recognized blue bird logo for over a decade. The rebranding can be seen as a significant attempt to revamp the company’s image. In recent months, Musk has been warning about Twitter’s precarious financial situation, with steep losses in ad revenue and concerns about potential bankruptcy.
Adding to the pressure, Threads, a rival social media platform launched by Meta, Facebook’s parent company, garnered over 100 million user sign-ups within its first week, posing further competition to Twitter.
On Sunday, Twitter’s CEO Linda Yaccarino shared on the platform: “X represents the future state of limitless interactivity – focusing on audio, video, messaging, payments/banking – building a worldwide marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities. Fueled by AI, X will connect us all in ways we’re only just starting to envision.”
Despite Yaccarino’s announcement, many users have taken to mocking the statement and questioning the motive behind the rebrand. Others suggested the “X” was a bad idea. “Imagine explaining to your wife that you watched some Xvideos today,” wrote a user.
As soon as Twitter turned into X, people didn’t waste a second and began cracking jokes about the whole transformation.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
