Zach Warunek, an engineer at the social media platform X, recently stirred concern among users by revealing that the platform’s direct messaging (DM) system will soon be entirely removed. Another user recently reported a bug with messages not loading correctly. This shocking discovery only underscores the many frustrations that users still face with the platform. Warunek’s cryptic comments have left many users wondering about the future of a highly popular and useful feature.
In a recent exchange on X, one user reported a bug that was affecting the app’s ability to load messages and asked for help. Warunek shot back, telling the deeply personal story to go fuck itself, adding, “This page will be removed soon so no. He went on to clarify that targeted message requests would be removed. He continued, “Pretty soon the whole DMs thing will disappear.” The abrupt announcement came out of left field for most users. For them, direct messages are “literally half the reason” they continue using the platform.
Warunek’s cryptic, but highly disturbing, message was quickly brought to attention. The engineer suggested to the community, “If you aren’t the one actually writing/prompting the code, you are [not gonna miss it].” This comment sent a storm of conspiracy quirks around why the DM system was cut. Developers and developers’ users are excited to see what comes next.
The removal of direct messaging is but one of many contentious changes on the platform. All of these changes have occurred under Elon Musk’s leadership since his takeover in late 2022. However, under Musk, the platform underwent a rebranding attempt, making the once popular platform “X” and gaining international notoriety for the move. It then announced the removal of verification badges and a new subscription-only path forward. These changes have led to both praise and anger from Twitter users. No one likes getting bad news, especially about a dearly departed service their tax dollars funded.
Warunek’s comments have caused a wave of panic among X’s user base. Over the past year, many joined me in lamenting their decision to remove a major function that allowed for important private communication on the platform. Debates are continuing regarding the repeal of DMs. Users are frustrated. Users are now considering how these changes will impact their user experience on X, formerly Twitter.
