Twitter is secretly building a 'snooze button' function to pause viral tweet notifications for up to 12 hours

  • Will appear as crossed-out bell in the upper-right corner of the notifications tab
  • Can be implemented for three different time periods: one, three or twelve hours
  • Although not officially announced, the action was spotted by an app researcher 

By PETER LLOYD FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Twitter is working on a 'snooze button' feature to mute notifications. 

The micro-blogging platform will potentially allow users to temporarily disable push updates on their account - especially when tweets go viral, resulting in a slew of alerts. 

When it's eventually launched, the utility will appear as a crossed-out bell in the upper-right corner of the notifications tab. 

In theory, it will have three different implementation options: one, three or twelve hours. 

Mute: The micro-blogging platform will potentially allow users to temporarily disable updates on their account - especially when tweets go viral

Mute: The micro-blogging platform will potentially allow users to temporarily disable updates on their account - especially when tweets go viral

HOW ELSE IS TWITTER CHANGING? 

Twitter is cracking down on hate speech against specific religious groups after a recent policy change.

The shift has put in place a moderation system to examine posts that are reported to the platform. 

If the tweet is found to be targeting specific religious groups, specifically if it 'dehumanizes others on the basis of religion,' Twitter will remove the post. 

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Although it hasn't been officially announced yet, the action was spotted by app researcher Jane Manchun Wong.  

Writing on her blog, she notes that it's still in the early stages of development, but could be available by the end of this year.  

'I came across this new ‘Snooze’ button by looking into the code underneath Twitter's mobile app for Android, and I am awaiting comment from Twitter about this feature,' she wrote. 

'Twitter has been putting efforts to bring positive impacts to the user's digital wellbeings. I previously spotted Twitter tested an option to moderate replies. And this ‘Snooze Notifications’ feature is no exception.'  

Specifically, she believes it will help people control their engagement with the platform, which is known to have addictive qualities.   

When can we expect it? The function is still in the early stages of development, but could be available by the end of this year - if it materialises at all

When can we expect it? The function is still in the early stages of development, but could be available by the end of this year - if it materialises at all

A Twitter spokesperson couldn't confirm whether the snooze function was happening - but didn't deny it either.

'Our teams are always thinking of new features for people to personalise their experience on Twitter,' they told Digital Trends. 

'We’ll share more details on individual experiments as they’re live for people to test soon.'

METHODS FOR PARENTS TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE

Children as young as two are using social media, research from charity Barnardo’s has suggested.

Internet companies are being pushed to do more to combat harmful content online but parents can also take steps to alter how their children use the web.

Here are some suggestions of how parents can help their children.

Use parental controls

Both iOS and Google offer features that enable parents to filter content and set time limits on apps.

For iOS devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, you can make use of the Screen Time feature to block certain apps, content types or functions.

On iOS, this can be done by going to settings and selecting Screen Time.

For Android, you can install the Family Link app from the Google Play Store.

Talk to your children

Many charities, including the NSPCC, say talking to children about their online activity is vital to keep them safe.

Its website features a number of tips on how to start a conversation with children about using social media and the wider internet, including having parents visit sites with their children to learn about them together and discussing how to stay safe online and act responsibly.

Understand their internet usage

There are tools available for parents to learn more about how social media platforms operate.

Net Aware, a website run in partnership by the NSPCC and O2, offers information about social media sites, including age requirement guidance.

Limit screen time 

The World Health Organisation recommends parents should limit young children to 60 minutes of screen time every day.

The guidelines, published in April, suggest children aged between two and five are restricted to an hour of daily sedentary screen time.

They also recommend babies avoid any sedentary screen time, including watching TV or sitting still playing games on devices.

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