X, formerly known as Twitter, is working on developing a downvoting feature that will enhance the ranking of replies on the platform. Although X has not officially announced this feature, recent findings suggest that it may resemble a “dislike” button rather than a Reddit-style downvote icon. Code references in the X iOS app indicate the presence of a broken heart icon next to the heart-shaped “like” button, as well as direct references to a “downvote” feature.
Before Elon Musk’s acquisition, Twitter had already tested downvoting in 2021. However, during the initial experiment, both upvoting and downvoting buttons were tested for all posts. The latest tests suggest that X is now considering allowing downvotes only on replies. This feature aims to prioritize better replies at the top of a long thread while pushing less liked replies further down. By doing so, X hopes to discourage users from posting content intended solely to provoke others and generate dislikes as a form of engagement.
Reverse engineer Aaron Perris, known as @aaronp613 on X, discovered references to a downvote feature in X’s iOS app. In addition to these findings, image files were found that suggest the downvote button could be styled as a broken heart. Furthermore, the app includes text strings that prompt users to take action and confirm their downvote. For example, one message asks, “Do you want to downvote this post?” While another simply instructs users to “Downvote this post.”
The wording used in these references, which mentions “posts” rather than just “replies,” raises questions about whether X plans to introduce the downvote feature for all posts or only for replies.
A user named @P4mui has also shared videos of the dislike button in action, including one where they were asked to dislike a reply. According to @P4mui, the dislike button is currently only available for replies, but it remains uncertain if this will change in the future.
Interestingly, an X employee’s account allegedly showed a video demo of a new way to expand replies, featuring the dislike button. However, the post was swiftly deleted and reposted without the dislike button visible.
Considering the growing number of sightings, it appears likely that more public tests of the dislike button are currently underway.
Under Musk’s ownership, X has made several changes to its “likes” system. More recently, X started hiding likes from public view, allowing users to engage with more “edgy” content and protect their image. These alterations demonstrate X’s commitment to evolving its platform and creating a more personalized user experience.
Overall, the development of a dislike button on X reflects the platform’s efforts to refine its ranking and engagement systems. By allowing users to express their dissatisfaction with certain content, X aims to foster more meaningful conversations and reduce the spread of provocative or harmful posts. As these tests progress, it will be interesting to see how X incorporates user feedback and fine-tunes this feature to meet the needs of its diverse user base.
