Scheduled Threads posts have been made accessible to everyone after a limited rollout began last month. Moreover, users from select countries can now highlight and annotate sections of other users’ posts when sharing content.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared the update.
“We’ve rolled out some new Threads features to enhance your engagement on the platform: Users can now schedule their posts, and metrics for single posts are being introduced in Insights. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce a ‘markup’ option for reshared posts, starting with a few countries and expanding in the near future.”
The response to the announcement was largely tepid, with some expressing concerns about the markup functionality.
“So, by markup, do you mean that people can modify and draw over your artwork? Absolutely not! Artists already face enough challenges with copyright infringement.”
“This markup option could spell disaster for artists and other creators.”
“It’s frustrating that many artists are fighting theft of their original works and now, Meta wants to add this feature?”
However, Engadget reports that users will have the option to opt out of this feature.
A representative from Threads confirmed that this feature is similar to quote retweets, meaning the original content creator will be notified if their post is marked up. Additionally, users can set preferences on who can respond or quote their posts to restrict markups.
Others remarked that these updates do not align with users’ actual requests.
“Just a reminder that nobody actually asked for this feature; a quick look reveals what users really want from the app.”
“These changes aren’t what most of us wanted. Who needs scheduling? We’ve been asking for a chronological feed, improved algorithms, and an end to bots, yet here we are, prioritizing scheduling.”
“What about passkey support? When can we expect that?”
There were also critiques aimed at Meta’s choice to halt fact-checking practices and permit hate speech across its platforms.
“Is there any chance we can schedule fact-checking?”
“Now, Threads makes it simple to schedule hateful messages targeting any LGBTQ+ person!”
“What about making modifications to Threads so individuals like me, a gay person, can’t be labeled as ‘mentally ill’ or women referred to as ‘objects’?”
Image: Meta
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
