As an entrepreneur, you get how important it is to stay connected and informed while maintaining a professional presence on social media. Twitter, or X, is an incredible platform for networking, keeping up with industry news, and even enjoying some fun conversations. But sometimes, you come across content marked as "sensitive," and it can be tricky to handle it.
Your Twitter account needs to be a space of open communication and information-sharing. Still, your digital space should remain professional and welcoming for your business connections. It's quite a balancing game, but we’ve got your back.
In this post, we'll break down how Twitter deals with sensitive content and show you how to see sensitive content on Twitter by customizing your settings. By the end, you'll feel confident in navigating the platform responsibly and safely. Read on.
What is Sensitive Content on Twitter?
Sensitive content on Twitter refers to any media or information that certain people may find inappropriate or offensive. This includes a wide range of content, like violent or graphic media, nudity, obscenity, sensitive news events, or even depictions of self-harm. Twitter uses labels or content warnings to mark these tweets, which gives users the discretion of whether or not they choose to view such content.
But why does Twitter allow sensitive content? Simply put, Twitter has always aimed to be a protector of free speech and is usually against censoring controversial viewpoints as long as they’re not downright harmful. Twitter has published a blog outlining their stance on free speech. Give it a read here.
Despite Twitter's push to cultivate and protect free speech, it strives to maintain a safe space for all its users. There are specific guidelines defining what kind of media should be marked as sensitive so that the platform does not become an uneasy space for others.
What Makes a Post Sensitive Content?
Twitter is a hub for diverse discussions and content sharing. A handful of posts contain media or discussions that will be offensive or disturbing to certain audiences, which is why Twitter flags them as sensitive content. The Twitter sensitive content policy helps users identify and avoid such content, allowing them to block or limit interactions with it.
According to Twitter's guidelines, sensitive content includes:
- Graphic violence: Excessively gory or violent content, including graphic images or videos related to horrific events.
- Adult content: Media containing nudity, sexual acts, or explicit sexual content.
- Sensitive topics: Discussions around potentially triggering topics like self-harm, suicide, or abuse.
- Emotionally charged content: Posts on controversial matters, heated debates, or sensitive global events.
Twitter's algorithms and moderation teams work together to identify and label sensitive content. Users are also expected to mark their tweets accordingly and repeated failure to do so results in penalties like temporary suspensions or permanent bans.
Up next, we'll explore how to view sensitive content on Twitter, so you can make informed decisions about the content you engage with on the platform.
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How to See Sensitive Content on Twitter
If you’re prepared to let all kinds of filter appear in your feed, follow these steps:
- Go to twitter.com or x.com and log into your Twitter account with your email, username, or phone number.
- In your home feed, navigate to the left column and click on the “More” button.
- From the pop-up menu, click on “Settings and Privacy”
- Next, click on “Privacy and Safety,” and navigate to “Content You See” on the right hand side
- Now, a menu will open up, with a checkbox at the top, next to “Display media that may contain sensitive content”
- Click on the checkbox, and go back. You’re all set!
Now, sensitive content would appear in your feed and search results without any obstructions.
Note that the steps to allow sensitive content is the same on the X mobile app as well. You just have to click on your profile icon to access the menu.
How to Mark Your Own Content as Sensitive on Twitter?
If you plan to share sensitive content regularly, you need to adjust your media settings to warn other users, especially your followers. Here's how:
- Go to twitter.com and log into your Twitter account with your email, username, or phone number.
- In the left column, click on the "More" button
- From the pop-up menu, select "Settings and Privacy"
- Next, click on "Privacy and Safety," and navigate to "Your Posts" on the right-hand side
- Check the box next to "Mark media you post as having material that may be sensitive"
With this setting turned on, your followers will be made aware of the sensitive nature of your content.
This process is similar on the Twitter mobile app. Simply click on your profile icon to access the menu and follow the same steps.
Risks of Viewing Sensitive Content on Twitter
As a platform that values diversity and open discussion, Twitter allows sensitive content to be shared as long as its legal. However, Internal documents obtained by Reuters revealed that around 13% of all content on Twitter is Not Safe For Work (NSFW) and is of graphic and explicit nature. As such, you need to be aware of the risks associated with viewing such content.
Remember that regularly viewing such content has adverse effects on people. We’ve discussed some of them below:
- Causes emotional distress
Sensitive content leads to emotional distress by triggering feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, fear, or discomfort. For individuals with a history of trauma or mental health issues, exposure to sensitive content makes their condition worsen.
- Leads to desensitization
Regularly viewing sensitive media desensitizes users, leading to the normalization of disturbing images or messages. This impacts a person's sense of empathy, concern, or understanding of real-life situations.
- Increases exposure to harmful content or misinformation
Sensitive content includes harmful advice, dangerous challenges, or deliberate misinformation. Exposure to such material might have real-life consequences like adopting hazardous practices or fueling a misinformed understanding of current events or social issues.
- Impacts personal relationships
Engaging with and sharing sensitive content often leads to conflicts within personal relationships, alienating friends or family members with differing opinions.
- Risks violation of community guidelines
Sharing or engaging with sensitive content that violates Twitter's community guidelines can result in penalties, including temporary suspension or permanent account deactivation.
- Negatively affects professional life
Consistently engaging with sensitive or contentious material will harm your professional reputation, especially if your professional contacts are connected with your Twitter account.
If you still want to view sensitive content on Twitter, make sure to follow the steps outlined in our previous section on how to see sensitive content on Twitter.
Be in Control of What You See in Your Twitter Feed
And that’s a wrap. By now, we have you know enough to navigate sensitive content on Twitter responsibly and safely. Always be mindful of the risks of viewing sensitive content, and be aware of the steps to protect yourself and your online reputation.
Consider a platform like Highperformr to create relevant and safe content that resonates with your audience. Highperformr’s Social AI Copilot that helps you craft engaging and respectful content that aligns with Twitter's community guidelines. With our AI-powered tool, you can ensure that your tweets are not only effective but also safe and respectful for all users.
Sign up for free and take control of your Twitter feed today.
