By The Minions

In July 2023, Meta (the company that owns Facebook and Instagram) launched a new app called Threads. This app is designed for sharing text messages and joining conversations, similar to Twitter. Let’s take a closer look at Threads and how it’s been doing since it started.

Quick Start

Threads had an amazing start. Just seven hours after it launched, more than 10 million people had signed up, including the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Tom Brady. Mark Zuckerberg, the boss of Meta, said he hopes Threads will grow to have over a billion users one day.

What’s different about it?

Compared to certain other social media apps, Threads aims to be a more friendly place to be. It aims to avoid arguments and negative talks that you may encounter on other platforms. For those who find other social media unpleasant or stressful, this might be good.

One nice thing about Threads is that it’s connected to Instagram. If you use Instagram, you can easily set up a Threads account and follow the same people you follow on Instagram.

The response from the public

People have different opinions about Threads. Some users appreciate its simplicity and how effortlessly it links with Instagram. They find it easy for them to converse and express their opinions.  However, some have noted that Threads lacks some elements that they are used to on other social media networks. For example, users can’t see what is trending right now or search for particular themes, which some find restricting. These mixed reviews show that while Threads has its strengths, it’s still developing and may need to add more features to keep users engaged in the long run.

Could it appeal to you?

Threads could appeal to a variety of users for different reasons. People who are already active on Instagram might find easy ways to expand their social media presence, as it allows them to share their thoughts without the need for pictures. Those looking for a simpler social media experience might appreciate the app’s streamlined approach, with fewer features to navigate compared to some other apps. 

The good things

• It’s easy to use if you already have an Instagram account.
• It aims to be a more positive place than some other social media apps.
• You don’t need to share pictures or videos; you can just write messages.
• It could be a good place to have conversations with people who share your interests.

The Not-So-Good Things

• It doesn’t have as many features as some other apps you might be used to.
• It’s new, so there might not be as many people using it as other apps.
• Some people worry about privacy because it’s connected to other Meta apps like Facebook and Instagram.
• It could still be a place where arguments happen, even though it’s trying to be more positive.

What’s Next?

It’s still early days for Threads. The app might change and add new features as more people use it. Whether it becomes as popular as Instagram or Facebook, we will have to wait and see. If you’re curious about Threads, give it a try. But remember, it’s okay to take breaks from social media too. In fact, recent studies show that people are spending less time online than they used to, and some people find that using social media can cause anxiety.

In the end, Threads is just another way to connect with people online. Whether it’s right for you depends on what you’re looking for in a social media app.

Researcher: Michael Makwela

Writer: Mpho Thusi & Rethabile Nkoko

Editor: Thamsanqa Bebeza & Sibongile Cana