Twitter now let’s you ‘soft block’ followers. What does it mean and how to do it

Twitter started testing the ‘soft block’ functionality last month to allow users more control over their followers’ list. Twitter had started testing the feature also to curb abuse and harassment. Now the feature has been rolled out for everyone on the web version of the social media site.

 To ‘soft block’ a follower, you need to go to the Twitter website on a laptop or desktop. Now open the ‘Followers’ list in your profile. Click on three dots in front of the follower and select ‘Remove this follower’.

Earlier Twitter users used to block and unblock unwanted followers. The soft block option is much more convenient way of achieving the same results in a less awkward way.

Also Read: New Twitter privacy tools will let you hide old tweets. What else changes

Once you ‘soft block’ someone, they will not be notified of the action. They will still be able to see your tweets and direct message you. But to see your tweets on their timeline, they will have to refollow you.  

Now come the caveats. Followers you have soft-blocked can still refollow you. To hide your tweets permanently from them, you will either have to block them or make your account private.

Also, the feature is only available on web, and not on Twitter mobile or app. However, this might change soon.

Twitter is also testing a new Safety Mode feature where abusive comments will be automatically blocked for a short period of time. However, there is no word on the timeline for rollout of this feature yet.