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    Threads – Meta’s New Social Media App

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    Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, is set to launch a new social media application, Threads. It’s being touted as a direct competitor to the microblogging platform, Twitter, and is already causing a stir in the tech world. But what exactly is Threads, and how does it plan to take on the Twitter behemoth? We’ve done the legwork and gathered all the info you need to know about this new social media contender.

    Introduction to Threads

    Threads is a text-based conversation app, initially described as “Instagram’s text-based conversation app”. It is a new service from Meta, designed to have a similar look and feel to Twitter. It’s available for pre-order in Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, with an official release date slated for July 6.

    What sets Threads apart from other social media applications is its integration with Instagram. Users of Instagram will be able to click and follow the same accounts on Threads, allowing for easy follower base migration.

    Note: Check out this screenshot of the Threads app. It showcases how users can like, reply, or repost other people’s messages, similar to Twitter’s interface.

    Threads App Interface

    Image Source – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meta-threads-app-release-july-6-twitter-killer/

    Threads vs. Twitter: The New Rivalry

    Threads is being launched at a critical time for Twitter. The social media platform, now owned by Elon Musk, has been making significant changes that have not been well-received by all users and advertisers. Recent decisions, such as limiting free accounts to reading 600 tweets per day, have sparked intense backlash.

    This has led to some users referring to Threads as a “Twitter killer”, with expectations that many people will migrate from Twitter to the new social media service.

    However, it’s not yet clear whether Threads can indeed pose a serious threat to Twitter’s dominance in the microblogging space.

    Threads: Features and Functionality

    Cheat Codes

    In anticipation of the launch, Meta introduced cheat codes on Instagram to allow people to sign up for a download ahead of time. The cheat codes are “Thread” or “Threads”, which users can enter into the search box in Instagram.

    When you do that, a red “Admit One” ticket will appear on your screen and then move to your search box. Clicking on the ticket will take you to a website with a countdown clock, which ends on July 6 at 10 a.m. ET. A QR code is also provided; scanning it will take you to the download page for the app on Apple store.

    Is Threads a Twitter Clone?

    Though Threads is billed as an Instagram service, the images posted in the App Store listing look more like Twitter than Instagram. It’s described as a place where you can “follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things.”

    In a screenshot of the service, it appears to have a similar interface as Twitter, enabling users to “like,” “reply,” or repost other people’s messages.

    Availability

    Threads is available for pre-order in Apple’s App Store and also available in the Google Play store. The service is teased as “expected July 6.”

    Usernames and Followers

    Good news for Instagram users – the Threads app says you will be able to “keep your username”, and indicates that people will be able to keep their Instagram followers on the new service.

    Threads Username

    Image Source – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meta-threads-app-release-july-6-twitter-killer/

    Will Threads Hurt Twitter?

    As Meta’s new social media app, Threads may lure consumers away from Twitter by providing a free service without the issues that are currently plaguing Musk’s company. Since Musk bought Twitter last year, the platform has seen a spike in hate speech and was rated as the worst social media service for protecting LGBTQ+ users from harassment.

    Threads and Privacy Concerns

    One aspect of Threads that has already sparked controversy is its privacy policy. According to its listing on the Apple App Store, Threads may collect data related to several categories, including health and fitness, financial information, contact information, search history, and purchases. This extensive data collection has led to criticism from some quarters, including Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, who tweeted: “All your Threads are belong to us.”

    The Musk-Zuckerberg Rivalry

    The rivalry between Musk and Meta could spill over into real life. In an online exchange, Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg seemingly agreed to fight each other in a “cage match,” though it’s unclear if this will actually happen.

    With the launch of Threads, Meta is making a bold move to expand its social media empire and challenge Twitter’s dominance in the microblogging space. However, whether Threads can truly rival Twitter remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though – the social media landscape is set for some interesting developments in the coming months.

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