Meta’s social network Threads recently underwent a substantial update, revolutionizing the tagging system. Notably, users can now employ tags without the hash symbol, allowing for more versatile and expressive tagging. This update aims to curb spam by enabling users to tag a single topic per post. Unlike traditional hashtags, this system supports phrases with spaces and special characters, offering a more nuanced approach to content categorization.
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri expressed optimism that this design alteration would mitigate engagement hacking, a persistent issue in social media platforms. Although Threads lacks a trending section, users can discover popular tags by tapping the tag button, promoting content discovery and community interaction.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Users can report sensitive topics, triggering warnings for reported tags, but a lingering issue involves similar hashtags potentially limiting a post’s reach. While Meta continues refining Threads, this update underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing user experience, fostering meaningful interactions, and addressing issues like spam and engagement manipulation.