Twitter recently released a new feature that allow its users to directly send private messages to anybody even if they don't follow each other. Many privacy-concerned netizens were alarmed by this new feature and thankfully enough, it was turned off by default and needs to be activated.
For users who want to avail the new messaging feature, they have to go into their respective Twitter account settings and manually turn on the Direct Messages option.
On a statement issued on Monday, Twitter said that the direct message system will allow its users to communicate with one another privately even without following one another. The new system will also allow users to reply to these direct messages without the need of following them.
According to CNet, this new messaging system is very beneficial to a set number of users' specifically large corporation and celebrities who now have the ability to send messages to people without establishing a connection beforehand.
In 2013, Twitter tested this feature through a selected number of users but the project did not push through due to unconfirmed reasons.
Twitter apps running in Android and iOS operating systems will receive update that will add the direct message button on their respective profiles.
This new direct messaging feature can have massive positive impact to Twitter users but it could also open up several problems. According to Wired, this new feature can be used by malicious users to spread spam messages.
Twitter has yet to issue a statement whether the company will allow advertisers to use the new direct messaging feature. Twitter said in a blog post, "We hope these changes help you connect more easily - and directly - on Twitter with the people, causes and businesses you care about most."