Twitter is experimenting with an ‘unmentioning’ feature

  • A feature that would allow users to remove themselves from conversations on the platform is currently being tested by Twitter.
  • The feature is currently available only to some users on the web version of Twitter.
  • This will introduce a “leave this conversation” option which untags a user’s username, stops future mentions and halts notifications.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

Meta’s working on ‘tokens’ and ‘Zuck Bucks’ for Facebook and Instagram

  • According to a report, Meta is reportedly working on the development of a range of virtual currency products.
  • These include “social tokens” or “reputational tokens” for users on Facebook and Instagram, alongside “creator coins” for influencers on Instagram.
  • Additionally, Meta is allegedly working on creating currency (nicknamed “Zuck Bucks”) similar to in-app token like ‘Robux’ in Roblox or Fortnite coins.
  • You can read the full story on The Guardian’s website.

Twitter rolls out new accessibility features

  • Twitter has released its ALT badge and improved image description accessibility features globally.
  • Images with text descriptions will get a badge reading ‘alt,’ clicking on the badge will show the description.
  • Alt text descriptions will be more prominent, where before these descriptions were only mostly accessible to users with screen readers.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

Lockdown led to decline in NI children’s language skills

  • A growing number of children in Northern Ireland are experiencing significant communication problems following COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • There have been reports of children who can’t speak at all, communicating only by pointing or grunting.
  • There has also been an increase in the number of referrals to speech and language services.
  • You can read the full story on Belfast Telegraph’s website.