Threads: A Surprisingly Reliable News Platform
Despite Meta's Adam Mosseri stating that Threads would not prioritize news, it unexpectedly excelled in delivering OpenAI's bombshell news over the weekend. Threads proved to be an excellent source for updates on the OpenAI drama, even though Meta executives had initially downplayed its role in news dissemination. Notably, many OpenAI leaders chose Threads as their platform of choice to share their insights.
A Glimpse into the Unforeseen Potential of Threads
Threads, launched earlier this year, was primarily intended for casual conversations rather than news coverage, as Instagram head Adam Mosseri had emphasized. However, when the recent breaking news of Sam Altman's departure from OpenAI unfolded, Threads rose to the occasion and proved its capability as a reliable platform for breaking news. While X (formerly Twitter) remained a more critical platform for official announcements from Altman and other tech leaders, Threads garnered attention for its real-time reporting and the heartfelt messages of support from OpenAI employees.
Threads vs. X: A Battle for News Coverage
As the news of Altman's departure continued to unravel, both Threads and X played significant roles in providing updates. Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher shared exclusive insights on both platforms, highlighting the irony that Threads did not thread posts correctly, making it challenging to follow the evolving story. This led users to constantly switch between the two apps, seeking the latest developments. Meanwhile, X dealt with its own crisis involving Elon Musk's controversial tweet and the subsequent withdrawal of major advertisers like Disney and Apple. These events created an opportune moment for Threads to establish itself as a platform capable of delivering timely and reliable news.
Threads: A Platform Tailored for Breaking News
While Threads may not have been flawless in delivering breaking news, with some posts appearing outdated, it still managed to meet the expectations of users who sought a platform to catch up on and discuss the news. In the context of Altman's transition between companies, Threads provided a safe space for news consumption, devoid of the risks associated with events like mass shootings or natural disasters. Considering the current standards for news platforms, Threads proved to be a viable option for those seeking reliable and up-to-date information.
In conclusion, Meta's Threads surprised many by emerging as a dependable source for breaking news during the OpenAI controversy. Despite initial assertions that Threads would not focus on news, it successfully delivered real-time updates and fostered discussions among its users. While it may not have been perfect, Threads demonstrated its potential as a platform capable of serving breaking news to its audience.—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: knotopoulos@businessinsider.com (Katie Notopoulos)
Title: Meta’s Threads Becomes a Surprising Source for Breaking News
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-fired-openai-test-meta-threads-breaking-news-2023-11
Published Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:03:44 +0000
Leave a Reply