📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Elon Musk’s X, previously known as Twitter, is reportedly working on implementing a downvoting feature to enhance the ranking of replies on the platform. While the company has not officially confirmed these plans, recent discoveries from code references in the X iOS app indicate that the feature might take the form of a ‘dislike’ button rather than a traditional Reddit-style downvote icon.
The concept of downvoting was initially tested by the company in 2021, prior to Elon Musk’s acquisition. The latest findings suggest that the ‘downvote’ feature could appear as a broken heart icon situated alongside the existing ‘like’ button on the platform, as well as direct references to the feature itself.
This potential introduction of a dislike button follows Musk’s recent rollout of a feature that hides all likes by default for X users. The emphasis seems to be on refining the user experience and promoting meaningful interactions within the community, with a focus on improving the visibility of high-quality replies.
Reverse engineer Aaron Perris, known as @aaronp613 on X, has uncovered various clues pointing towards the development of the downvote feature, including image files depicting the broken heart icon. Text strings within the app prompt users to confirm their downvotes, hinting at a user-friendly approach to interaction with the new feature.
While the current testing phase is centered on downvoting replies, there is speculation that the feature could eventually extend to all posts on the platform, potentially reshaping the dynamics of user engagement and content ranking. The potential implications of the introduction of a dislike button on X are significant, offering users a more nuanced way to express their opinions and curating a more constructive environment for discussions.
As X continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, with recent modifications to the ‘likes’ system, the anticipation for the public release of the downvote feature grows. While an official announcement regarding the launch date and complete functionality is pending, the increasing references in the code and visible tests by X employees suggest that a broader rollout may be on the horizon.
