Twitter to prompt users to read all website links when retweeting

The site already encourages users to read articles, not just headlines

Twitter is testing a new feature that prompts users to read any website link when retweeting, not just articles.Unsplash 

In a bid to curb the spread of misinformation, Twitter has added a series of new features and prompts.

Since October, the social media platform has encouraged users to read any linked articles that they retweet. However, the site is now trialling the addition of the prompt to all links, not only articles.

In a tweet, the platform said that it "loves" that people go to Twitter to share information, but said: "Knowing what you’re sharing – we love that more."

"Headlines don't tell the full story," the prompt, which was introduced in October, reads. "You can read the article on Twitter before retweeting."

Ahead of the US election, Twitter pinned a warning about misinformation at the top of all of its US users' timelines.

The notices related to the topics of postal voting and the possibility that the 2020 election results could be delayed.

The links then directed users to "a Twitter Moments [page] that provides more context and compiles the latest credible information on the topic from election experts, journalists and other authoritative news sources", Twitter said in an October press release.

The platform also now encourages users to quote from messages, rather than simply retweeting them, so that they add commentary to a post.

"Though this adds some extra friction for those who simply want to retweet, we hope it will encourage everyone to not only consider why they are amplifying a tweet, but also increase the likelihood that people add their own thoughts, reactions and perspectives to the conversation," Twitter explained.