Content managers and web developers who had a bit of a scare when Twitter initially announced changes to Tweet embeds can breathe a little more now. After announcing that blank slates would replace embedded Tweets should the original Tweet be removed or deleted, Twitter just announced its decision to reverse changes in favor of finding a more viable alternative.
Doubling Back
Ever the helpful sprite, Elon Musk deleted a number of his own Tweets to illustrate the change in effect. Based on what we can see, despite Musk’s deletion of his Tweet embed, users still have context on what was shared in text form, still providing some level of insight as to what was originally posted.
If you recall, Twitter updated this process last week, turning what were once text-based contextual descriptions into blank Tweet templates that appear as though your internet provider might be losing a connection tower or two. Why Twitter chose to go with that remains a complete mystery – probably a ‘creative’ choice.
In some ways, Twitter should’ve opted to just fully remove the original Tweet, since the user expressed a clear desire to have it deleted. However, as noted, that would then leave digital ‘Potholes’ in your work, potentially jeopardizing or totally throwing specific context streams out of alignment. Then again, if you would approach this as a platform that’s all for user freedom, then you wouldn’t really introduce elements that might impede or inconvenience said ‘freedom’.
Fortunately, Twitter was honest enough to admit that during the time of the update that it hadn’t truly finalized its approach, which now leads us to its current decision of reversal. It’s not that Twitter admitted that they made a mistake, but more so that it’d be a wiser course of action to reassess the situation and find more suitable alternatives with lesser impacts.
“After considering the feedback we heard, we’re rolling back this change for now while we explore different approach. We appreciate those who shared their points of view – your feedback helps us make Twitter better.”
The Wrap
Again, it’s much-welcomed news for developers and content creators, many of which can now enjoy their Easter Sunday once more. Hopefully, Twitter manages to find a suitable solution – preferably one that wouldn’t need too much compromise. Furthermore, this incident should’ve at least alerted Social Media people to be more vigilant about the ever-changing conditions online, encouraging them to be more proactive in creating contingencies.
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