X Testing Thumbs Up/Down Voting Feature
X (formerly Twitter) appears to be experimenting with a new user interface (UI) update, potentially replacing the familiar heart/like icon with a thumbs up.
Screenshots from users like Sawyer Merritt (link) show a thumbs up icon positioned to the left of the engagement options, replacing the heart. Other screenshots reveal both thumbs up and thumbs down icons appearing beneath posts (link).
This shift from likes to a thumbs up/down system could signify a move towards a more direct feedback mechanism, potentially influencing X's algorithm and personalizing user feeds. The thumbs down option would allow users to express dislike, providing valuable data for content customization.
Elon Musk's Vision for a "Cleaner" X
This potential change aligns with Elon Musk's stated goal of a "cleaner" X interface. He has previously suggested simplifying the platform, even considering removing post function buttons entirely (link). While a cleaner look might appeal visually, it could also impact user engagement.
X previously experimented with removing function buttons, later offering the simplified display as an option (link). The shift to thumbs up/down voting, however, represents a more fundamental change in how users interact with content.
While X hasn't officially confirmed this test, the emergence of these screenshots suggests a potential shift in the platform's engagement dynamics. The move towards thumbs up/down voting could significantly impact user experience and content visibility on X.
