Twitter Faces Potential Issues Due to Threads

Twitter Faces Potential Issues Due to Threads

Twitter Faces Potential Issues Due to Threads

Initial Impressions of Threads: Can Meta Accomplish This? Is It Not Considered Plagiarism in Some Way?

The resemblance of the app to Twitter is striking, with its familiar features such as the character limit, reposting, and feed.

Although Mark Zuckerberg's claim of millions of sign-ups in the first few hours should be met with skepticism when tech executives boast about user numbers, it does seem like a substantial number of people are already using it.

One reason for this is its integration with Instagram. Existing Instagram users are given the option to automatically "follow all" their Instagram followers upon signing up for Threads.

This option provides a ready-made list of followers and increases the likelihood of gaining more followers as friends from Instagram join the platform.

Also read :Meta's Threads Retains User Base After One Month, Yet to Establish Authentic Atmosphere

This strategic move by Mr. Zuckerberg demonstrates the significant advantage that Big Tech companies enjoy over smaller ones. Meta is leveraging its billion-plus Instagram followers, giving Threads an immediate boost.

In contrast, platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon had to start from scratch without an existing user base.

Regardless of whether this approach is considered "fair" or not, Mr. Zuckerberg has shown a willingness to replicate successful features from other apps (e.g., Reels as a TikTok clone) for his own success.

Furthermore, Mr. Zuckerberg has capitalized on the influence of celebrities by getting notable figures like Shakira and Gordon Ramsay to join Threads, understanding the impact of celebrity endorsements.

• Ten million join Meta's Twitter rival - Zuckerberg

Undoubtedly, the positive reception of the app will please Mark Zuckerberg. In the realm of social media, the network effect plays a crucial role. 

Also read :Elon Musk Seeks an Opportunity for a Second Attempt at X / Let's Mark an X Through it!

As the number of users increases, the app experiences a proportional enhancement in its performance and functionality.

The network effect has the potential to create a tipping point in social media, where the presence of friends and desired connections on a platform compels individuals to join.

However, achieving a network effect on a social media platform is a challenging endeavor. 

Image Source: bbc.com

When successful, it can have a profound impact, but the opposite is also true—communities can swiftly abandon a platform, as evidenced by the decline of Myspace or Bebo.

Now, let's delve into some of the issues with Threads. One prominent drawback is the absence of separate feeds.

Also read :Meta to Unveil AI-Powered Chatbots in Bid to Retain Users - FT

Unlike Twitter, which offers a recommendations feed and an option to view tweets exclusively from followed accounts, Threads blends followers' content with its own suggested content, potentially leading to a bothersome experience.

Additionally, Threads currently lacks desktop functionality, limiting its usability on computers.

The absence of trending information makes it difficult to identify viral content.

Another missing feature is a messaging function, which Twitter already provides.

Regarding verification, users can still purchase blue checkmarks for a monthly fee, mirroring Twitter's system.

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Despite attracting a considerable number of users and generating some buzz, Threads is still significantly smaller than Twitter, meaning posts may not reach as wide an audience (although it's important to note that the app is only a few hours old).

Describing the app as an "initial version," Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges its current simplicity. At the moment, it focuses on the essentials, lacking any extravagant features.

Despite its no-frills nature, Meta's CEO must be ecstatic with the initial response. After enduring years of negative publicity, Zuckerberg is now presenting himself as the responsible tech billionaire, aiming to establish a friendly social media platform.

This move seems to have irked Elon Musk, who sarcastically tweeted, "Thank goodness they're so sanely run" on Monday.

However, if Zuckerberg had concerns that disillusioned Twitter users would reject Meta's offering, it appears that those worries were unfounded, at least for now.

If this trend continues, with an app that functions adequately, albeit without any standout features, it could pose a genuine problem for Musk.