Threads’ New Hashless Tags: A Gateway for Silly Trolling
Threads, the microblogging Instagram offshoot, recently introduced searchable “topic tags” for all users. These tags resemble hashtags but have a few key differences. Firstly, they don’t use the familiar hash (#) symbol. Secondly, they can include spaces, allowing for more natural and readable phrases. Similar to hashtags, the tags are highlighted in blue and link to other posts with the same tag.
While the intention behind the tag feature was to enhance user experience, it didn’t take long for some users to use it for a rather silly prank. Here’s how it works: a user creates a Threads post with an elongated text and inserts a deceptive “Show more” tag at the end, strategically placed within a word or sentence. Innocent users who click on “Show more” expecting to see the remaining post content are instead redirected to the page associated with that particular tag. Think of it as a modern version of “Rick Rolling.”
Even though the prank is relatively simple, it’s surprisingly effective due to its replication of a familiar UI element. The blue link format resembles standard hyperlinks typical of social media platforms. Even vigilant users have fallen for it, mistaking it for a bug. The creator of this prank, Threads user @freezydorito, ironically works for Meta, the parent company of Threads.
As someone who is usually skeptical online, I must admit that I, too, fell victim to this harmless trickery. Some others have fallen multiple times, deceived by the seemingly innocuous “Show more” tag. Interestingly, the joke continues to thrive because many users are still unfamiliar with the new feature and are genuinely confused, asking “What is Threads?” on a regular basis. Additionally, Threads’ recent launch in Europe guarantees an influx of unsuspecting users who could unknowingly become subject to this prank. It remains to be seen how long it’ll take for Meta to address this and implement a solution.
Source: Threads’ new hashless tags have opened the door for the silliest form of trolling
