Threads Introduces Online Activity Status to Boost Real-Time Engagement

The new feature allows users to see when others are online, aiming to facilitate more timely conversations.

Threads, Meta's microblogging platform, now shows a green dot to indicate when users are online, similar to features on Instagram and WhatsApp.
The activity status is optional, and only those who enable it can see others' online status. Users can turn it off in the settings.
Adam Mosseri, head of Threads, announced the feature to enhance real-time engagement, although many users expressed a preference for direct messaging capabilities.
Concerns have been raised about privacy and the potential for increased harassment, as users can be targeted when seen as active.
The feature is part of Threads' ongoing efforts to compete with X (formerly Twitter) by improving the platform's real-time interaction capabilities.