Twitter is attempting to reduce vitriol on its platform by testing a new system, dubbed “Heads Up,” that can warn users when they’re going to enter a conversation that “could get heated or intense,” as the company’s support team explains in a tweet.
Twitter hasn’t provided a details on just how the system will work, but the aim is to “support healthy conversation.” It will begin rolling out for testing on Twitter’s Android and iOS apps.
In the example Twitter provided, it appears that a user is trying to engage in a conversation about college athletes’ ability to sign endorsements. The example conversation already has considerable engagement and comments taking opposing stances. Before the user engages in the conversation, Twitter provides a pop-up prompt reminding them of a few things that could help make the platform more amicable and accepting of differing opinions.
The prompt specifically reminds users to “remember the human” and that “facts matter” and “diverse perspectives have value.” The prompt isn’t a barrier for entering a conversation, though. To continue, tap the “Count me in” button.
It’s unclear if Twitter is identifying contentious conversations by watching for subject matter known to be controversial or actually checking the content of a conversation. But it’s the latest attempt by the company to improve the health of conversations on its platform, and address a toxicity problem it’s known about for some time. Twitter previously rolled out a feature that allowed users to review their tweet if it was flagged as being potentially offensive.
