Communicating via Twitter DMs may finally be about to get a whole lot easier.
Twitter’s direct message feature is set to undergo a significant change after the website announced an upgrade on Monday.
From now on, Twitter users will be able to receive DMs from other accounts regardless of whether or not they follow each other.
But, in case you’re worrying about being inundated with messages from strangers, receiving DMs from all users is an optional setting that can easily be deactivated.
How to accept Twitter DM's from anyone (via http://t.co/RpAeqErFOf)
Twitter > Settings > Security & Privacy pic.twitter.com/IcqYsWvwX6
— Matt Navarra (I quit X. Follow me on Threads) (@MattNavarra) April 20, 2015
The ‘optional’ bit didn’t quite register with a few Twitter users, however, who greeted the news with a sense of doom having assumed their privacy was compromised.
Word on the street is that pressure from investors forced Twitter into the move, but they claimed in a blog post today that it will make for a more engaging messaging experience.
‘We continue to invest in our private channel to lay the foundation for a powerful and engaging messaging experience,’ said a Twitter statement.
What? Has Twitter made it possible to DM anyone, irrespective of whether they follow you? Classic dick move.
— David (@davidclewis) April 20, 2015
I love the new Twitter option to let anyone to DM you. I'll have mine off but I'll be able to send more trolls Game of Thrones spoilers now
— RebeccaWatson@bsky.social why not (@rebeccawatson) April 20, 2015
