Threads will start showing others when you’re online by default

Oct 16, 2024

Meta's Threads introduces 'activity status' to show online users, aiming to boost real-time interaction, despite mixed reactions.

Threads will start showing others when you’re online by default

: Threads, Meta's social platform, is adding an 'activity status' feature indicating when users are online. Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, it's designed to foster real-time interactions, compensating for the app's lack of direct messaging. While the feature can be disabled, users express concerns about privacy and harassment, preferring direct messaging instead. The feature begins rolling out immediately, though not all users will see it instantly.

Meta's Threads is introducing an 'activity status' feature, signaling to users when others are online, as announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri. This feature aims to increase real-time interactions on the platform, an area where Threads has trailed behind X, formerly known as Twitter.

The addition is seen as a substitute for direct messaging, which Threads lacks, with Mosseri expressing hopes it will enable easier conversations. However, many users have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating that activity statuses are more suited to messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger and Discord.

Concerns about privacy and safety have also been raised, as visibility of online status might aid harassment. Despite its rollout starting immediately, users may not see the feature right away, and Mosseri has not detailed how to deactivate it, though it's expected to be in app settings.