Threads: A More Friendly Messaging App
When Threads, the new messaging app from Meta, announced that it had already surpassed 30 million users, it raised the question: What does a social media platform have to do to beat Twitter? Well, according to Meta CEO, and Facebook co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg, Threads will win by being "more friendly.""I’m excited about Threads," Zuckerberg says in an interview with TechCrunch. "I think it’s going to be really successful because it’s a lot more friendly."
Threads, which is available for both iOS and Android, aims to foster meaningful connections and conversations among its users. The app focuses on connecting users with their close friends and family, promoting a sense of intimacy and privacy.
In comparison, Twitter is often seen as a way to follow celebrities, politicians, and other public figures, and as a way to engage with communities and topics of interest. While Twitter does have a close-knit community of users, and many people use it to share updates on their personal lives, it’s often associated with the fast-paced and often controversial nature of online communication.
"Twitter is very good at being a feed of public consciousness," Zuckerberg says. "But Threads is about being a place where you can connect with your closest friends and family and have really meaningful interactions."
With its user base steadily growing, Threads has generated a range of responses from Twitter users. Some are skeptical about Zuckerberg’s plan, expressing their belief that there’s no way Threads can be more "friendly" than Twitter. Others are hopeful, appreciating the idea of a social media platform that prioritizes healthier conversations and reduces toxicity.
Many Twitter users have expressed their desire for a platform that prioritizes these things. The success of Threads will ultimately depend on how well it delivers on its promise of being a more positive and intimate social media experience.
Regardless, Threads’ early growth is a positive sign, and its focus on genuine human connection aligns with the larger goal of the Metaverse, a virtual reality (VR) world that promotes well-being.
"We want Threads to be a place where you have all your closest friends and family," Zuckerberg says. "We think that will give it a huge long-term advantage."
Discover some of the best VR games on PC if you’re looking for a new experience to try. You might also want to explore the best VR movies if you’re in the mood for something to watch, or perhaps you’re searching for the best VR games that aren’t Job Simulator.
