Twitter may integrate an algorithmic timeline, similar to Facebook's, starting next week according to a Buzzfeed report published on Friday. However, CEO Jack Dorsey disputed extreme changes in a series of Tweets Saturday after #RIPTwitter began trend. “ We never planned to reorder timelines next week,” Dorsey clarified.
Hello Twitter! Regarding #RIPTwitter: I want you all to know we're always listening. We never planned to reorder timelines next week.
— Jack (@jack) February 6, 2016
The Twitter CEO also reminded users that Twitter already introduced a “ While You Were Away ” feature that uses a customized sorting algorithm. Return to real-time, reverse chronological order by swiping down to refresh your timeline, Dorsey instructed users in a Tweet. According to The Verge, future timeline changes would likely look like an expanded version of the pre-existing feature.
Look at "while you were away" at the top of your TL. Tweets you missed from people you follow. Pull to refresh to go back to real-time.
— Jack (@jack) February 6, 2016
Buzzfeed ’s sources claimed: “ The timeline will reorder tweets based on what Twitter’s algorithm thinks people most want to see, a departure from the current feed’s reverse chronological order.” The report suggested the timeline change may be merely an option instead of a full replacement. The Verge also confirm users will be able to opt out of the new timeline function.
Dorsey assured #RIPTwitter hashtaggers that it is not Twitter’s intention to change its core feature.
I *love* real-time. We love the live stream. It's us. And we're going to continue to refine it to make Twitter feel more, not less, live!
— Jack (@jack) February 6, 2016
Twitter can help make connections in real-time based on dynamic interests and topics, rather than a static social/friend graph. We get it.
— Jack (@jack) February 6, 2016
Twitter is live. Twitter is real-time. Twitter is about who & what you follow. And Twitter is here to stay! By becoming more Twitter-y.
— Jack (@jack) February 6, 2016
Twitter’s timeline has already changed multiple times this year. The company has openly announced tests and ongoing experiments. In December, some users noticed their timelines were out of order. “This is an experiment,” a Twitter spokesperson responded in a statement. “ We’re continuing to explore ways to surface the best content for people using Twitter.”
Hey @twitter I do not want my timeline in random, non-chronological order. That's why I want to burn facebook to the ground.
— CD Covington (@exaggerated) December 8, 2015
Dear @Twitter. You are not Facebook. You are a real time news and communication platform. Emphasis on time. Time is chronological.
— Tim V (@sirencio) December 8, 2015
Dorsey also responded to the test’s negative reviews. “You will see us continue to question our reverse chronological timeline, and all the work it takes to build one by finding and following accounts,” he said according to the Wall Street Journal.
In November, Twitter axed the ‘favorite’ button and replaced it with ‘like.’ The classic fav star was morphed into a heart.
You can say a lot with a heart. Introducing a new way to show how you feel on Twitter: https://t.co/WKBEmORXNW pic.twitter.com/G4ZGe0rDTP
— Twitter (@twitter) November 3, 2015
In addition, Re/code reported last month Twitter may extend the 140-character limit. The site’s sources said the new limit could be 10,000. However, a Twitter spokesperson declined to comment on the report.
Twitter also officially introduced the Moments tab in October. Easily view trending hashtags and the “best of Twitter in an instant” with the new feature.
It’s unclear when Twitter plans to unveil the new timeline option. Do you like the idea of non-chronological timeline? Let us know in the comments.
