Twitter users can communicate with one another in one of two ways; they can either @reply a person so they get a public message, or they can direct-message (or DM) them privately. The one catch about a DM is that users have to have the other person follow them before they can send them a DM message.
But after some deliberation, Twitter re-enabled the ability to DM other users without having to follow them. This feature was originally available back in 2013, but was pulled after a few weeks when some users reported that it was being used to harass, flirt and otherwise disturb other users.
But if Twitter had problems with this in the past, then why is it re-enabling the feature? Now, Twitter users have the ability to consent to this follow-less DM system. "As of today, web users can update their settings to accept Direct Messages from anyone. Mobile users on iOS and Android will see a Direct Message button featured in user profiles," reports VentureBeat.
This isn't the only update that Twitter has recently released. It also added the feature to attach particular tweets to a user's DM last November, which would make it easier to share relevant tweets without letting the other user know.
This move was likely in response to Facebook's upgrades to its Messenger software, which provides users with the ability to send pictures, gifs and even money.
"At the end of 2014, Twitter had 288 million monthly active users, according to Statista. The company will need to find new ways to drive engagement in order for its direct messaging service to compete with some of its largest competitors," reports VentureBeat.
