In a significant update, social media platform X is set to conceal likes and reposts from users' timelines, with implementation expected "within the next few weeks," as revealed by a software engineer at X.

Ellis Driscoll, a software engineer at X, disclosed this forthcoming change in response to a demo video showcasing the new user experience (UX) shared by Christopher Stanley, X's head of payments. Driscoll clarified that the video depicted an "exploding menu," indicating a shift in how likes and reposts will be presented on the home screen. According to Driscoll, the main functionality of the new UX will be characterized by "simple gestures," with liking and replying becoming faster and more intuitive processes.

Under the new interface, X users will still have access to the number of likes and reposts on individual posts but will need to select each post individually to view these metrics. Stanley further elaborated on the UX changes, describing a user interaction method involving a "long press and then swipe to choice," likening it to a video game interface.

The decision to conceal likes and reposts mirrors a similar move made by Instagram in 2021, aimed at addressing mental health concerns associated with the platform's emphasis on like-based competition. While X has not provided a comprehensive rationale for this change, Stanley hinted at an improved user experience and maximizing screen space for content as primary motivations.

Proponents of the new feature believe that it could shift focus towards post content rather than engagement metrics, potentially reducing the prevalence of posts solely aimed at garnering likes and reposts. However, critics argue that concealing engagement metrics may enable the platform to promote content favored by internal teams without user visibility, similar to practices observed on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

As X prepares to roll out these changes, users and industry observers eagerly anticipate how this adjustment will impact user behavior and content consumption patterns on the platform.