X Users React to ‘Likes’ Now Being Hidden

X has made yet another quirky update, this time concealing the number of likes on posts.

The change rolled out on Wednesday, catching many X, formerly Twitter, users off guard. According to an official statement released by the app, hiding the number of likes is meant to “better protect your privacy.” However, it’s unclear how this move achieves that. According to the announcement, people will still be able to view posts they’ve liked, though others won’t be able to. Additionally, individuals can view their tweets like count under notifications, though this is no longer viewable by their fellow users.

Important change: your likes are now private https://t.co/acUL8HqjUJ

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 12, 2024

Musk confirmed this update but has not shared why he decided this was the right idea for the platform. However, since taking over Twitter in October 2022, several odd changes have occurred. A year after he took over, the site abruptly ended Twitter Circles, which was similar to Instagram Stories. He also fired a large portion of the staff, allegedly to cut costs. Despite tweeters across the world calling out these sudden changes, Musk has continued with his plans to implement his vision for the app.

Was this a smart move on Elon Musk’s part, or is hiding likes interfering with the user experience?

I actually wanted people to see my likes it was fly shit in there smh

— ajani (@ajanicreates) June 12, 2024

men on this app celebrating the private likes: pic.twitter.com/jFpy4gvYbW

— 🇵🇸 ☪︎🌟 (@okokalrightZain) June 12, 2024

they hid my likes… but they cannot hide my love ❤️

— lea chin-sang (@bigfatmoosepssy) June 12, 2024

I hate private likes man. I want the world to know the type of shit I’m vibing to.

— Doug (@magnumdong1992) June 12, 2024

Jesus watching your private likes pic.twitter.com/jwo7HGMmyi

— Lorenzo Cortes ✈️ (@Hoyatexas) June 12, 2024

me liking every dick pic on the timeline now that my likes are privatepic.twitter.com/GeriCEPMUh https://t.co/TXCP3QUOEb

— Real Bravoholic (@RealBravoholic) June 12, 2024

UNPRIVATE MY LIKES I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE

— dasia (@PhelpsDasia) June 12, 2024

How are Black people going to know they ARE my type without seeing my likes?

— 𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕡𝕡𝕚𝔹𝕝𝕜𝕄𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔✨ (@Carpe_Nocteeem) June 12, 2024

how am i going to be a lowkey subtle passive aggressive attention queen if no one can see my likes!

— kristin (@kriscrossapples) June 12, 2024