LONDON – Twitter is preparing an option for users to go back to itsoriginal chronological news feed, responding to complaints about itsalgorithmic system implemented two years ago.
In a series of tweets late Monday, Twitter told users it was “working onnew ways to give you more control over your timeline.”
The short-message social network said it still believes most users willwant to see the “best” tweets at the top of their feed but will allowpeople to switch based on their preference.
“We’ve learned that when showing the best tweets first, people find Twittermore relevant and useful,” the San Francisco company said.
“However, we’ve heard feedback from people who at times prefer to see themost recent tweets.”
After years of operating with a chronological timeline, Twitter began in2016 to follow the lead of Facebook in using algorithms to offer what itdeemed to be the most relevant messages for users as part of an effort tostimulate growth and engagement.
But it acknowledged Monday that some users don’t like this approach.
“Our goal with the timeline is to balance showing you the most recenttweets with the best tweets you’re likely to care about, but we don’talways get this balance right,” the company tweeted.
“So, we’re working on providing you with an easily accessible way to switchbetween a timeline of tweets that are most relevant for you and a timelineof the latest tweets. You’ll see us test this in the coming weeks.”
Twitter and other social networks have faced criticism in recent weeksincluding from President Donald Trump that they suppress some messagesbased on political bias. The company has denied the allegations. – APP/AFP