X appears to be taking steps to shatter echo chambers and unite people online.
X is testing a new feature using its Community Notes system. The aim is to highlight posts that are appreciated by users with differing opinions. This experiment builds on the platform’s current fact-checking model but adds a new layer: identifying content that resonates broadly across its user base.
The announcement came from the official Community Notes account on X, which explained that select contributors will now be able to rate posts based on why they like or dislike them. This feedback is meant to help surface posts that users from different backgrounds and beliefs agree are valuable or insightful.
Community Notes show when they’re found helpful by people who normally disagree. What if we could do the same for posts, recognizing posts that are liked by people who normally disagree? We’ve heard requests for this for years since launching Community Notes, and we’re starting a… pic.twitter.com/ITRgWIJ2vE
— Community Notes (@CommunityNotes) June 5, 2025
As TechCrunch points out, Community Notes has been known for its crowdsourced approach to correcting misinformation. Instead of allowing simple upvotes or downvotes – which can easily be manipulated by groups with shared interests – it uses a “bridging algorithm.” This system prioritises notes where contributors with opposing views reach a consensus. If agreement is found, the note is made public.
This new trial takes that same bridging logic and applies it not to misinformation, but to the discovery of quality content. The goal is to show which posts are positively received by a diverse set of users, not just within echo chambers.
The concept of using community feedback to fight misinformation isn’t unique to X. Other platforms are testing similar tools. For example, TikTok’s community-led Footnotes feature gives trusted users the ability to add context to content in a crowdsourced effort to increase transparency and reduce misleading information.
According to the announcement, contributors in the pilot will be prompted to provide ratings when a post starts gaining attention through Likes. Their feedback will help determine whether the post is broadly appealing or just popular within a single group.
This is part of a growing trend across platforms. YouTube has also trialled its own version of Community Notes, enabling contributors to attach clarifying notes to videos when topics are confusing or potentially misleading. These notes are then rated and surfaced based on community consensus, just like on X.
X’s post stated: “People often feel the world is divided, yet Community Notes shows people can agree, even on contentious topics. This experimental new feature seeks to uncover ideas, insights, and opinions that bridge perspectives.”
The platform also emphasised its commitment to transparency and community input, adding: “Following the path we used to develop Community Notes, we’re building in public with a small pilot so that this concept can be shaped by the people. We look forward to learning and iterating with you all as we do with Community Notes every day.”
Whether this new feature becomes a permanent part of X remains to be seen, but it reflects a broader attempt to promote shared understanding – and possibly reduce the polarisation often seen online.
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