If you’re a Twitter user who has recently ventured into Instagram’s new Threads platform, you might find the experience a bit jarring. While Threads shares some similarities with Twitter, it also distinguishes itself in many ways. Notably, it seems to have significantly less news and political discourse compared to its rival. According to Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, this deliberate choice reflects Meta’s intention behind Threads.
In a conversation with The Verge journalist Alex Heath, Mosseri clarified that Threads isn’t aiming to replace Twitter. Instead, its goal is to provide a “public square for communities on Instagram that never really embraced Twitter.” Mosseri emphasized that the platform caters to communities seeking a “less angry place” for conversations, without attempting to encompass all aspects of Twitter’s user base.
Despite being an Instagram spin-off, Threads quickly garnered over 78 million users within days of its launch. While this number is less than 20 percent of Twitter’s user base, it’s still an impressive feat. However, even if Threads were to reach similar user numbers, it appears unlikely that it would feel like a direct competitor.
Mosseri acknowledged that politics and hard news will inevitably surface on Threads, just as they have on Instagram to some extent. However, the platform won’t actively encourage these topics. According to him, any potential increase in engagement or revenue generated by such content is not worth the associated scrutiny, negativity, and integrity risks. Mosseri hinted at Threads’ focus on various other topics, including sports, music, fashion, beauty, entertainment, and more.
It’s worth noting that since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, many users have been actively seeking alternative platforms. Musk’s implementation of various changes, such as the paid verification system and tweet access limits, has left some users dissatisfied. While Threads initially appeared promising as a potential new home, it may not meet the expectations of these users. Fortunately, numerous alternatives exist, including BlueSky and active Mastodon instances.
Instagram’s Threads offers Twitter users a different experience. By intentionally steering away from heavy news and political discourse, Threads aims to create a space for communities that never fully embraced Twitter. Although it may not cater to everyone, the platform has gained significant traction since its launch. Ultimately, the choice between Twitter and Threads depends on individual preferences and the desire for a specific type of online community.