Threads: Do I really have to download another social media app?

If you’re like me then your immediate reaction to learning about the launch of a new social media app is probably something between dread and general frustration. Don’t we already have enough of these things?

Enter Threads: the newest social media platform. Here’s what you need to know.

So what is Threads?

Threads was launched earlier this week by Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. Threads is a companion app to Instagram. This means that users who want to join Threads must also have an Instagram account, and it will automatically pull the same name you use on Instagram as well as all of the accounts you follow on Instagram into your new experience on Threads.

Threads is a direct competitor to Twitter. The experience mirrors Twitter almost exactly, with a feed of text-based posts where you can mention people using the @ symbol and reply to other posts - creating a “thread”. According to The New York Times reporter Mike Isaac, “Threads is positioned as an app where people can have real-time, public conversations with one another.”

Threads does have the edge in one particular area: Thread posts can be up to 500 characters long. Take that, Twitter!

The Washington Post claims, “Threads may be the first Twitter alternative that really matters because it’s built on top of Instagram’s existing base of billions of users.” And that seems to be the case. In its first day, Threads accumulated over 10 million users. A number of big-time Michigan reporters, from outlets such as the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, and Crains, have created accounts and started sharing content.

The downsides to Threads (although I’m sure more negatives will continue to pop up)

I’ve been complaining for years about changes to the Instagram algorithm. It seems like Instagram doesn’t even show you your closest friends posts anymore. It continues to push influencer and viral content that it thinks you want to see from accounts that you don’t even follow.

Well, it seems that practice has been moved over to Threads as well. Even though you are able to control who and what you follow, that doesn’t necessarily mean that will be what shows up on your feed. “Recommended” posts will still be prevalent on the new site.

Another unfortunate detail is that just like on Twitter, Threads cannot be edited after they’ve been posted. You’d think Mark would have picked up on everyone’s complaints and remedied this!

Threads also has no direct message feature at this time. How am I supposed to share memes with my friends?!

Should you join Threads?

I’m not here to tell you what to do… And only time will tell if Threads can actually take over and make Twitter a thing of the past.

But I know I plan on making an account. If nothing else, just to appease my own curiosity (and help me answer client questions when they inevitably come my way).

See you on Threads?