:

X TWEAKS ALGORITHM TO PRIORITIZE MUTUAL FOLLOWERS

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
TUE, JUL 14, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

X has adjusted its algorithm to boost post visibility among mutual followers—users who follow each other back—in an effort to reduce hostile interactions in reply sections.

According to Nikita Bier, X implemented the algorithmic change to prevent replies from becoming a "battleground." The tweak prioritizes content visibility among mutuals, the subset of a user's followers who are also followed back by that user. The move reflects X's ongoing efforts to manage conversation quality on the platform. By limiting initial visibility to mutual connections, the company aims to create a buffer against unwanted engagement and potential harassment. The change arrives as X continues refining its content moderation and visibility systems following its acquisition by Elon Musk. The platform has experimented with various algorithmic adjustments to balance open discourse with user safety concerns. Details on the scope and timeline of the rollout remain limited, though the change appears to be part of X's broader strategy to reshape how conversations flow across the platform.

■ SOURCES

TechmemeTechmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE BIG TECH DESK

Nokia's stock surge is forcing investors to reassess the Finnish company as an infrastructure beneficiary of the AI boom rather than a legacy telecom-equipment maker.

2H AGOAI Desk

Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have jointly offered $60.50 per share to acquire PayPal, representing a 28% premium to Tuesday's closing price and valuing the payments company at over $53 billion.

4H AGOIndustry Desk

X's product head Nikita Bier acknowledged Monday that a broken algorithm stripped visibility from posts shared among mutual followers, making the platform feel combative. The company says it's implementing a fix to boost content distribution among connected users.

10H AGOIndustry Desk

Microsoft's latest patch Tuesday brings new update flexibility to Windows 11, allowing users to pause updates for up to 35 days and repeatedly extend the deadline.

10H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.