X to make likes on posts private to help users protect their 'public image'

While the posts on X will continue to show likes count, users would not be able to see profiles of other users who have tapped on the heart icon to like the post

X, formerly known as Twitter, will soon make likes private in order to help users protect their public image. Haofei Wang, Director of Engineering at X, has confirmed the move stating public likes are incentivising wrong behaviour on the platform. According to Wang, “many people feel discouraged from liking content that might be “edgy” in fear of retaliation from trolls, or to protect their public image”.

Wang encouraged users to like the posts without worrying who might see it. He concluded his post with a reminder that “For You” section algorithms get better by learning from the users’ activity on the platform, including posts they like.

Enrique Barragan, senior software engineer took to X to clarify that users will be able to see the number of posts and replies on their own post but likes of users will not be visible on other posts.

Elon Musk had earlier revealed his plans for hiding likes and number of reposts. For now, users will have the option of hiding their likes on a post and eventually public likes might be gone completely. Earlier available to only paid subscribers, the feature will soon be available for all and will make likes automatically private for users on the social media site. Although it is not clear if view count will still be visible.

As likes influence the algorithm and one is shown similar posts, this feature will enable X to show you content similar to liked posts and allow a more personalized timeline.  This feature arrives a few days after Twitter officially moved over to ‘X’ domain.