X App, Formerly Known as Twitter, Introduces New Feature Allowing Users to Hide 'Likes'

In a significant shift for social media engagement, X, the app formerly known as Twitter, has introduced a new feature that allows users to hide their 'likes.' This move is part of Elon Musk's recent changes to the platform, which he acquired earlier this year.

As reported by Mashable, users can now hide their likes for a monthly subscription fee of $8. This new feature is part of X's premium package, which also includes early access to select new features and a blue checkmark added to the subscriber's account, according to the Twitter Help Center.

The introduction of this feature marks a significant change in X's user experience. Traditionally, 'likes' have been a fundamental aspect of user engagement on the platform — a way for users to express appreciation for a post or to bookmark it for later reference.

However, critics argue that this change could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the platform. They suggest that 'likes' not only serve as a measure of a post's popularity but also contribute to a sense of community among users. Removing this feature could potentially isolate users and reduce engagement on the platform.

Despite these concerns, X's decision to offer users more control over their likes could be seen as a move towards greater privacy. As social media platforms face increasing scrutiny over their handling of user data, this new feature may be an attempt by X to give users more control over their online presence.

This isn't the first time a social media platform has experimented with hiding likes. Instagram, for example, has previously tested a similar feature, allowing users to hide their like activity.

As X continues to roll out new features under its new ownership, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact user engagement and the overall experience on the platform.