Twitter is once again making headlines with its latest announcement to introduce daily direct message (DM) limits for unverified users in an effort to combat spam. On July 21, Twitter Support tweeted about the upcoming changes and encouraged users to consider signing up for the subscription service Twitter Blue.
While the exact daily limits for unverified users have not been disclosed, the reaction to the news has been predominantly negative, with both verified and unverified users expressing their opinions on the move. A prominent comment from user @FGRAdam, garnering over 1000 likes, criticized the decision, stating that limiting basic features might drive users to seek alternative platforms. Some users speculated that the move was primarily aimed at enticing more users to become verified and join Twitter Blue, rather than effectively addressing spam concerns.
The contentious move has raised concerns among users who believe that verified accounts may still find ways to spam DMs, rendering the restriction ineffective. Some users even suggested that Twitter’s push for paid verification may be driven by the need to cover its substantial operational costs rather than a genuine effort to combat spam.
This latest change comes amidst a series of radical alterations introduced to the platform since Elon Musk took ownership. On July 1, Twitter imposed significant rate limits on the number of daily posts users can see, aimed at curbing data scraping and system manipulation. This move prompted Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta to launch a Twitter alternative called Instagram Threads, which initially generated hype and attracted a sizable user base, only to introduce its own rate limits on July 18.
Furthermore, Twitter rolled out content monetization settings in April, allowing creators to monetize all types of posts globally.
As Twitter continues to implement changes, the platform faces a challenging balancing act between addressing spam concerns and maintaining user satisfaction. The negative feedback to the DM limits for unverified users underscores the importance of transparent communication and understanding user needs to ensure a positive user experience. With the social media landscape constantly evolving, Twitter’s decisions will continue to be scrutinized as users seek platforms that align with their preferences and values.
