🛑I'm Complaining!!🛑

Hey lovelies! I have no idea how to politely transition into this topic so I'll get right to it: I’m fed up with Twitter! In my previous post I alluded that I'm eager to find a new virtual space away from popular social media sites and a big contributor to that is how they've failed to make me feel safe. Especially Twitter!! As of recent, Twitter has been under a hot spotlight since Emerald Apartheid officially acquired it last October. From security breaches, and mass layoffs, to Elote Microplastics using the platform to silence journalists investigating him - it's such a mess. But to be honest issues on the site have been prevalent before all that. After organizing my thoughts on the matter, I'm going to highlight some of the safety concerns I’ve come across throughout the years.

Poor Blocking Mechanism

My favorite feature on the site is the block button. I’m very intolerant of nonsense, from bad and tired jokes or memes to bigotry - I don’t want to see it! Yet Twitter still exposes me to users I’ve blocked and muted. The site does implement warnings on posts to say “this tweet is from an account you blocked/contains a word you’ve muted” which is cute but I find it unsatisfactory. Even if additional details were added like who the tweet is coming from, I ultimately would prefer if the blocked user or any of their other accounts never presented themselves to me ever again.

Like I said earlier, an attempt is being made but if conversations and replies surrounding "greyed out" posts are trending or littering a user's timeline, they'll feel inclined to view it. It would be best if blocked users are completely filtered out in a similar manner to how Instagram implements restrictions.

Another major flaw with the blocking feature is how Twitter allows users to continue to view and interact with the profiles they’ve blocked. It opens another can of worms: one-sided interactions. When a person is blocked, the "blockee" no longer has access to that user's tweets. This means the blocker can continue to bully or attack the blockee without the latter being aware of it. A similar dilemma occurs when a private account quotes tweets (QTs) from a public post. While it might not seem like a big deal for someone to be unaware that a bunch of strangers are talking about them behind their back - the comments made against them can lead to a dogpile.

What’s also disappointing is that Twitter will penalize you for blocking too many accounts. When someone blocks multiple users at once, Twitter will deny the transaction and limit your notifications. I understand that Twitter is weary of bots but these measures prevent users from having the option to minimize the content and users they don't want to be exposed to.

Substandard Reporting Management

Despite Twitter claiming they’re dedicated to ensuring the safety of its users they fail to adequately enforce penalties against those who violate rules and policies. I’m unsure if there is a dedicated group of people who revise reports or if they’re handed off to an AI but the results are very poor IMO. While I'm impressed by the new report menu, it ultimately feels like a shiny feature that gives the illusion of progress. In my experience, very rarely do my reports on harassment/misleading information/graphic violence go through, and when they do, the account will only be revoked basic functions until they delete the reported posts and nothing more.

This is an update I received after reporting a user for engaging in targeted ableist harassment against others. Slurs were used and threats were made. Both of these actions directly violate Twitter's policy on hateful conduct yet this user is able to keep their account. Forcing a repeated offender to delete three tweets won't discourage them from continuing their behavior 🙄

The most egregious offense I’ve reported on Twitter was an instance where two users were signaling to their followers that they were willing to share revenge porn at anyone's request through their DMs. For this difficult situation, I went on Twitter’s abuse webpage - which provides detailed forms for users to fill out for offenses like this one. I never received an update on the matter and neither user seemingly faced any consequence over it. This feels especially frustrating as accounts that are on the receiving end of hateful conduct are the ones being suspended.

"I literally have screenshots of you sending PRIVATE pictures . . . if anyone wants, just dm me."

A screenshot of "Person B" threatening to distribute screenshots containing private photos of "Person C" without their consent at the request of "Person A" (not featured.) Revenge porn is not only a crime on its own but this exchange is also legally classified as a form of cyber sexual harassment and blackmail. All offenses are prohibited by law in the states all parties reside/d in while also violating Twitter's non-consensual nudity policy.

While I have other concerns, these issues add some of the heaviest rain on my cloud. The only reason why I haven’t deactivated yet is that Twitter can be a wonderful tool to connect with others and follow trends. I'll really miss my oomfies and the content they upload and share 💔 But I just don’t think the frustrations are worth it anymore. I refuse to be upset and distressed while on my own phone! 

I sincerely hope those who stay on the site are safe from virtual attacks or bullying and can continue enjoying the best features Twitter can offer.

I don't want to exert too much energy in creating blog entries dedicated to ranting so these definitely won't be a regular occurrence. Teapearls signing off! ✌️✨ I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day! I'll see y'all l8er 💘🌟