Twitter will soon activate a new feature for all users in an attempt to combat the spread of misinformation. The big change comes in the form of a prompt before a Twitter user can retweet an article. The prompt urges users to read an article before retweeting it.
Twitter began testing the “Read Before You Retweet” prompt in June with users of the Twitter app on Android devices. The company found the prompt increased article opens by 40%. Twitter said that “some people” chose not to share an article after reading it, but the company offered no statistics on that insight.
Overall, the company claimed the prompt increased “informed tweeting,” because users opening articles before retweeting increased by 33%.
We shouldn't have to say this, but you should read an article before you Tweet it. https://t.co/Apr9vZb2iI
So, we’ve been prompting some people to do exactly that. Here’s what we’ve learned so far. ⤵️
— Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) September 24, 2020
“It’s easy for articles to go viral on Twitter. At times, this can be great for sharing information, but can also be detrimental for discourse, especially if people haven’t read what they’re Tweeting,” said Suzanne Xie, Twitter Director of Product Management.
Twitter explained the first prompt to “Read Before You Retweet” will be large so users will be more aware of the need for the prompt. Subsequently, the prompt will be smaller when users retweet additional articles.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
This seems like a step in the right direction, but realistically it’s a lot more needs to be done. Social media platforms will need to implement more stringent controls to squeeze off the flow of misinformation online. As technology to deceive internet users becomes better (see deepfake videos) and smarter through AI, it will become tougher for social media companies and governments to combat the creation and spread of misinformation.
We are strong believers in the First Amendment. The Freedom of Speech is an important right in any democracy. There are many things the First Amendment do not allow, however. Yet the courts and government are way behind setting limits for free speech online.
We don’t know what the answer is to fix misinformation spread on social media, but it’s time for all social media companies to start taking steps like Twitter (we’re looking at you Facebook) to combat misinformation before governments and the courts step in.
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