Newsletter
A new update to the X Community Notes feature lets users flag down misleading videos. Previously, this feature only lets users identify and spotlight misleading images in posts. Now, users can also identify misleading videos to help curb the spread of misinformation on the social media platform.
The usage of this feature for videos is similar to its usage with images on the platform. Once a user identifies a misleading image or video on a post, they can add a note to the image alerting other users that it’s false. This can be a lengthy note explaining the origin of the image or video and how it has no bearing on the post.
Other users on the platform would be able to see this note and understand not to follow the misleading message. They can then update this note giving more details on the image or video. Regardless of this feature now applying to videos, there are a few flaws that are a concern for netizens.
The Community Notes feature for flagging misleading videos has an issue
Taking to their official X page, Community Notes announced that videos can also be flagged down as misleading. The platform’s algorithm will work to identify other posts containing the same video. This means that any video post with the tag will automatically show the note context.
With this, most users of the platform will be able to avoid getting the wrong details on a video or image. The platform aims to use this feature that is now available for videos to combat misleading information. While this feature sounds exciting and helpful, it still has its flaws and drawbacks.
The biggest flaw with this issue involves how images and videos are flagged as misleading. For this, X relies on a group of users it calls their “Top Writers” who are everyday users of the platform. These individuals can flag an image or video as being misleading, and other Top Writers can edit the notes they attach to the image or video.
However, it is important to note that these people are not knowledgeable about all topics. This lack of versatility can affect how misinformation spreads on various topics of interest to X users. Additionally, these Top Writers are also prone to making mistakes and can flag a real image or video as misleading.
To combat this flaw, X relies on other Top Writers to edit notes added to images and videos. The platform also lets other Top Writers check the note for accuracy before tagging the image or video as misleading. These efforts are all in a bid to eradicate the human flaw when it comes to flagging media content as misleading.
Only some Blue subscribers will be able to access the Community Notes feature and flag down misleading media content. More regions are getting this feature as it is currently becoming available to more users. Once available in your areas, some users will be able to flag down media content that aims to mislead the public.