10 reasons why a block feature makes sense
Musk says block makes no sense and that the feature will be deleted from the X platform. I argue it does make sense.
“Block is going to be deleted as a “feature”, except for DMs,” Musk recently posted on the X platform, “It makes no sense.” I’d argue that removing the block feature is what makes no sense. Instead, Musk is in favour of muting.
I can think of so many reasons why the block button is necessary. While some may argue that a block feature prevents discourse in the “marketplace of ideas”, its removal raises significant concerns for online safety. The following are some reasons why I believe a block feature makes total sense for online spaces such as X.
1. It provides boundaries
In real life, we need boundaries, and our online world is no different. We reserve the right to limit who has access to our digital spaces.
2. It restrains abuse
Digital platforms can attract individuals who engage in harmful behaviour, from bullying and harassment to hate speech and threats. A block feature is crucial for users to protect their mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
3. It protects marginalized communities
Marginalized communities are often more vulnerable to online abuse. We need solutions that protect all users, not just the majority.
4. It limits unwanted solicitations
Blocking allows users to limit spam, scams, and other unwanted interactions.
5. It complements reporting tools
Reporting tools are invaluable but can’t be solely relied upon to handle abuse. Reporting systems often depend on having enough moderators to accurately assess and quickly address abusive content. Potential gaps in the process underscore the need for users to have access to tools to manage their own profiles.
6. It serves its own purpose
While an X engineer suggested making muting stronger by preventing muted accounts from replying or quoting, it’s important to note that blocking and muting serve different purposes. Muting hides posts or topics from the muter’s feed and notifications, while blocking goes further and prevents access and interaction with content.
7. It can be improved to address concerns
Efforts can be made to strengthen blocking, including reducing the ability to bypass blocks. Technical solutions can be implemented, such as preventing additional accounts of blocked users from viewing content. Meta does this quite well on Instagram.
8. It supports public accounts
While some suggest setting an account to private is the solution to avoiding unwanted interactions, this approach can limit someone’s potential audience and meaningful encounters as well. The issue often isn’t with sharing content publicly but with specific individuals. A block option allows users to maintain a public account while managing disruptions.
9. It prevents unintended consequences
Removing an existing block feature could have far-reaching consequences, some of which we are not yet aware of. One concern is what happens to users who’ve blocked a large number of offending accounts. Would converting them to muted accounts be enough? Questions like these could be explored by a team of trust and safety professionals, who could present the risks. In a perfect world, any plans would be made with the well-being of all users in mind.
10. It complies with platform guidelines
Platforms like Apple require apps with user-generated content (UGC) to offer the “ability to block abusive users from the service.” Likewise, Google says developers must provide “an in-app system for blocking UGC and users.” Failure to comply may result in the removal of an app from their respective stores. While this is not good for an app’s availability and, ultimately, its bottom line, it’s also not doing right by its users, which such requirements seek to serve.
Concluding remarks
Musk may be within his rights to reshape the X platform as he sees fit, but these changes may only amplify disruptive voices while alienating others, including those most in need of protection. The ability to block accounts puts the individual in the driver’s seat, making online spaces safer and more enjoyable. At the end of the day, deleting the block button may drive users away. While we’re yet to see if Musk reverses course, blocking tools continue to serve an essential purpose and make sense in multiple situations.
🔗 Sources and Further Reading
Blocking feature to be removed from former Twitter platform X, says Musk · The Guardian
Blocking People Is a Form of Self-Care · Symptoms of Living
Elon Musk says the block button on X, which users rely on to stop harassment, ‘makes no sense,’ and he wants to eliminate it · Fortune · Kylie Robinson
Elon Musk says (yet again) that X will stop letting you block users · The Verge · Adi Robertson
Elon Musk says X will strip ability to block accounts · Reuters · Mrinmay Dey
Grimes Spoke Out About Elon Musk's "Dangerous" Plan To Remove The Block Feature From X · Buzzfeed · Chelsea Stewart
Press the Magic Button · Derek Powazek
Twitter, now X, to remove blocking feature - Musk · BBC · Faarea Masud
Seven trust and safety features to build into your product before someone gets hurt · Ben Balter
User blocking vs. user muting · Ben Balter
Updates to How We Protect People on Instagram From Abuse · Meta
Uproar On X: Elon Musk Says Block Feature Will Be ‘Deleted’ · Forbes · John Koetsier