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Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has launched ‘Threads’, a text-based conversation app, as a direct challenge to Elon Musk’s Twitter.
Available on iOS and Android, Threads aims to create communities for discussions on various topics. By leveraging Instagram’s existing user base, Threads allows users to maintain their Instagram usernames and follow the same accounts they already follow.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe app supports text posts of up to 500 characters, along with photo and video sharing. Although lacking a direct messaging feature currently, Meta plans to make Threads compatible with ActivityPub, an open social networking protocol that promotes interoperability among different platforms.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, expressed hope that Threads would become an open and friendly platform for conversations, urging users to be kind.
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While Instagram boasts over 2 billion monthly active users, it remains to be seen how many will embrace Threads, given its focus on text-based interactions rather than visual content like Instagram. This move by Meta is part of its broader strategy to compete with established social media platforms.
Threads arrives at a time when Elon Musk’s Twitter has been grappling with technical difficulties. Recently, temporary restrictions were imposed on user post reading due to concerns about data scraping and system manipulation.
In contrast, Meta has confirmed its exploration of a decentralized social network for text updates, envisioning a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.
It’s worth noting that Zuckerberg and Musk have engaged in public posturing, hinting at a potential confrontation, though it remains unclear if they will actually engage in a physical battle.
The launch of Threads demonstrates Meta’s determination to disrupt the social media landscape dominated by platforms like Twitter.
With Instagram’s immense user base and the promise of fostering meaningful conversations, Threads presents a compelling alternative for individuals seeking engaging text-based interactions.
