Twitter Rolls Out Algorithm-Training 'I Don't Like This Tweet' Button on iOS

[MacRumors]

After announcing that it would move to an algorithm-based feed earlier in February, Twitter recently began rolling out a button to users on its iOS app that allows them to provide feedback for tweets on the social network (via BuzzFeed). Through the "I don't like this Tweet" button, Twitter will eventually learn to showcase less tweets related to the content you flag as poor in its algorithmic feed.

Currently available for "some iOS users," and rolling out slowly, the button can be found after tapping in the options menu on any individual tweet. Alongside options to report the tweet, block, mute, or unfollow the user, and share the tweet, you'll find "I don't like this Tweet." Tapping it will immediately hide the content from your timeline and Twitter lets you know that it "will use this to make your timeline better."

Image via Twitter Support​

Reached for comment, a Twitter spokesperson pointed BuzzFeed News to a Twitter Help Center post that says the function "helps Twitter better understand the types of Tweets that you'd like to see less of in your Home timeline. We may use this information to optimize and tailor your experience in the future."

Twitter began introducing its algorithmic timeline in February, putting its selected tweets in a prominent placement on the user timeline, atop the reverse chronological organization of regular Tweets that the social network has been known for before the update. Users can choose to turn the feature off, but according to Twitter only 2 percent of its user base has done so since the update debuted.

According to BuzzFeed, "a more expansive role for the algorithm has been discussed within the company," so it's likely that the new button eventually becomes part of a bigger push for its algorithmic feed in the future. Twitter for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Twitter Rolls Out Algorithm-Training 'I Don't Like This Tweet' Button on iOS

 

[max.ine]

They really need to throw all of these new features in the API.

 

[coolfactor]

I wish they would spend as much effort fixing the Mac app, which continues to have bugs.

 

[iRobertM]

Doesn't work, I keep hitting the "I don't like this tweet" button on all ads but they continue to show up.

 

[S.B.G]

That whole showcasing of tweets thing annoys me to no end when I visit the website of my Twitter feed and because I use Tweetbot on iOS I never use the Twitter app.

 

[2457282]

I can't remember the last time I tweeted. I have mostly given up on twitter and FB. Really only use Linkedin for any kind of social online presence. And of course my rants here on MR. I don't really like the algorithms and don't want to tell them what I like or don't. Amazon already knows too much about what I like.

 

[Smith288]

I click the "this offends me" safespace feature for both Clinton and Trump ads. Yet, they still show.

 

[decimortis]

Is there a Select All feature that comes with this?
Would be handy on Mondays.

 

[LordQ]

Meh... Twitter is full of even more hate than Facebook, this will not be a solution but good start.

 

[Birk0173]

 

[magicschoolbus]

Words hurt.

This snowflake needs his safe space.

 

[Scottsoapbox]

I simply unfollow people with annoying tweets.

Tweetbot keeps me from seeing ads.

 

[vmachiel]

Meh... Twitter is full of even more hate than Facebook, this will not be a solution but good start.

Quick! To your safe space!

 

[lucianmarin]

Yet another article about an useless feature introduced by Twitter. Wake up! There are better alternatives than Twitter out there!

 

[jclardy]

They really need to throw all of these new features in the API.

Or just throw them all out completely, who wants an algorithm based feed on twitter? Twitter organically rises the best things to the top via retweets. With this plus long tweets it is like they are trying to turn twitter into Facebook.

 

[solarguy17]

I'm a 2% then because I turn off the algorithm as quickly as I could google it. I want my tweets in order. I want my facebook in order. I don't need or want a corporation telling what is and isn't important.

 

[max.ine]

Or just throw them all out completely, who wants an algorithm based feed on twitter? Twitter organically rises the best things to the top via retweets. With this plus long tweets it is like they are trying to turn twitter into Facebook.

I was alluding to the other (dare I say more useful) things it's added recently, like group DMs and polls. Tweetbot still can't implement them because they're not supported in the API.

 

[jfrancis04]

Guess I'm part of the 2%.

I use Twitter extensively for getting the absolute latest news. It's very important that I can always sort by most recent tweets and see everything...not just what Twitter thinks I want to see. Hope they don't remove that option in the future.

I'm a 2% then because I turn off the algorithm as quickly as I could google it. I want my tweets in order. I want my facebook in order. I don't need or want a corporation telling what is and isn't important.

Exactly. Same here.

 

[Porco]

If tweets are not displayed in chronological order it's not really a "timeline" anymore, is it? It's more a ... 'time squiggle'.

Unless you're Doctor Who or Bill & Ted or something.

 

[MacOG728893]

Exactly my first thoughts.

 

[itsmilo]

Ugh why does every social media network think it knows me
Better than myself. Just give me everything in chronological order jeeze.

Also why does twitter still show me personalized ads if i disabled it. Its downright creepy

 

[v0lume4]

They should change the button to say "I'm offended" instead of "I don't like this tweet."

Doesn't work, I keep hitting the "I don't like this tweet" button on all ads but they continue to show up.

Those ads cost money. Money trumps your interests, my interests, and everyone else's (no pun intended).

 

[RogerWilco]

"A just machine to make big decisions
Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision
We'll be clean when their work is done
We'll be eternally free yes and eternally young"

I.G.Y. -- Donald Fagen

Pretty much sums up the whole Web 2.0 social media mantra. In reality they're creating/enabling Orwell's dystopia x10.

 

[Googlyhead]

"A just machine to make big decisions
Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision
We'll be clean when their work is done
We'll be eternally free yes and eternally young"

I.G.Y. -- Donald Fagen

Pretty much sums up the whole Web 2.0 social media mantra. In reality they're creating/enabling Orwell's dystopia x10.

I never pressed the update button.
I want to downgrade!

 

[sudo1996]

I can't remember the last time I tweeted. I have mostly given up on twitter and FB. Really only use Linkedin for any kind of social online presence. And of course my rants here on MR. I don't really like the algorithms and don't want to tell them what I like or don't. Amazon already knows too much about what I like.

LinkedIn is far more annoying. I killed mine after they sent me 4 emails in a row because some random dude in my school added me as a contact or whatever.