The Controversial Decision to Make Likes Private on X

In a surprising move, X has decided to make all Likes private on their app. This update comes after the announcement last month and aims to protect users’ privacy. By making Likes private, X hopes to create a safer and more inclusive environment for users to engage with content without fear of judgment or retaliation.

The decision to make Likes private is based on the belief that public likes incentivize the wrong behavior. Many users feel hesitant to like certain content out of fear of backlash or to maintain a particular public image. With Likes now being private, users can freely engage with a wider range of content without worrying about who may see their activity.

One potential outcome of this change is the opportunity for X to explore new revenue streams, particularly in the realm of adult content. X recently updated its policy on adult content, allowing for “consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior” on the platform. This could open the door for partnerships with adult content creators and the possibility of monetizing such content through subscriptions.

By making Likes private, X may be seeking to encourage users to engage with more divisive and controversial content without fear of public scrutiny. This could lead to increased usage and subscription intake, similar to strategies employed by platforms like OnlyFans. However, this decision also raises questions about incentivizing questionable behavior and exacerbating certain interests.

While the move to make Likes private may not seem like a major shift on the surface, it could be a precursor to larger changes within the platform. X may be positioning itself to drive more engagement with a wider variety of content, including adult material, by removing the element of public accountability. Only time will tell how this decision will impact user behavior and the overall user experience on X.