Threads Introduces Activity Status: See Who's Online in Real-Time

Meta's New Activity Status Feature on Threads: What You Need to Know

Meta has recently announced an exciting new addition to its social media platform, Threads. The activity status feature allows users to see who is actively online while scrolling through their feed. According to Adam Mosseri, the head of Threads, this addition is designed to encourage real-time engagement among users. In this article, we will explore all the details of this feature, including how it works and what user privacy options are available.

Engaging in Real-Time Conversations

The primary purpose of the activity status feature is to facilitate connections among users. By indicating who is online, Threads aims to create opportunities for spontaneous interactions and discussions. As Mosseri points out, it will help users "find others to engage with in real-time." This can be particularly beneficial for brands or creators looking to connect with their audience more effectively.

How the Activity Status Works

When the feature is enabled, users will see an activity indicator next to profile pictures in both the feed and on user profiles. This visual cue lets you know who is currently online and potentially available for interaction. However, not all users may have access to this feature immediately, as it appears to be rolling out gradually.

User Control Over Privacy

One of the significant concerns with such features is user privacy. Fortunately, Threads offers options for users who may not want to share their online status. As Mosseri explains, "Only people who have activity status turned on will be able to see when you’re online." Additionally, users have the ability to disable this feature at any time through their settings. This ensures that users have complete control over their activity visibility.

How to Turn Off Activity Status

If you're not comfortable sharing your online status, you can easily turn off this feature. To do so:

1. Go to your Threads settings.
2. Find the section regarding Activity Status.
3. Toggle the option off.

While the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the app version and rollout, the general process should be similar.

Conclusion

The addition of an activity status on Threads is a step towards enhancing user interaction on the platform. While it opens up opportunities for real-time engagement, users are also reassured of their privacy controls. If you’re waiting for the feature to appear in your app, you’re not alone. It may take some time for it to roll out to all users, and in the meantime, you can adjust your settings as needed.

FAQs

• Will everyone see my online status?
  No, only users who have the activity status feature turned on will be able to see when you are online.
• How do I know if I have the feature?
  If you see an activity indicator next to the profiles in your feed, you have the feature available. If not, you may need to wait for the rollout.
• Can I hide my online status?
  Yes, you can turn off this feature anytime through your settings.

Meta continues to innovate on its platforms, and the activity status feature on Threads may just be the beginning of enhanced ways users can connect and engage with one another.