Twitter tests warnings about ‘intense’ conversations on iOS and Android

Before you jump into a fiery Twitter thread about Sora being the last one Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character, you might see a warning regarding the potentially heated conversation. Today the company declared it tests a “Attention” feature on iOS and Android which will serve as a useful public service announcement. (Twitter said it was in the works a few weeks ago.) In addition to the intensity warning, there’s also a screen that highlights some golden rules for online conversations: remember that there is a person on the other side; focus on the facts; and consider the value of different opinions, which might help strengthen your point of view.

Similar to Birdwatch, Twitter’s community push to fight disinformation with an informed context, the Heads Up feature is an attempt to empower users across the business. It’s hard to prevent toxic conversations altogether, and it’s a way out of a potentially contentious argument. (Life is too short to chat with some gaming fans, after all.) Of course, that doesn’t replace tools that can actually help people avoid harassment, like its new security mode.