Threads’ new DM feature faces backlash from users

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Earlier this week, Instagram’s Threads app introduced one of its most requested features: DMs to let people send private messages to each other. 

But soon after, many users, especially women, started complaining that there should be a way to turn DMs off completely. 

They worried DMs could lead to more online harassment, unwanted messages, or spam.

Before this update, Threads didn’t have DMs at all, which some users liked because it reduced the chance of getting creepy or abusive messages. 

Other social apps like X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Mastodon do have DMs, but some people preferred Threads because it felt safer without them. 

After the announcement, many users posted negative comments like, “I don’t want DMs, how do I disable them?” and “Great, now there’s another way for women to get harassed online.” (Via: TechCrunch)

Some even shared a poll showing that most Threads users didn’t want DMs at all.

Currently, the way Threads’ DMs work is that only people you follow can send you a message. 

If someone you follow starts bothering you, you can unfollow them to stop their access to your inbox or block them entirely, which also blocks them on Instagram. 

But there’s no option to disable DMs completely, which is what many are asking for.

Some users also worry that DMs will open the door to bots and spam filling up their inboxes, even if harassment isn’t a concern for them. 

And while Meta (the company behind Instagram and Threads) may have thought tying DMs to followers gave users enough control, many people follow strangers just to read their posts, not to talk privately. 

This means they could now receive unwanted messages from people they don’t actually know.

The backlash highlights a problem when social networks add big new features after people have already gotten used to how things work. 

Without giving users options, like turning off DMs, these updates can make people feel like they’ve lost control over their own experience on the platform.

What are your thoughts on a DM feature potentially ruining the experience for users? Tell us your thoughts below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.