- October 15, 2013 11:16am EST
Twitter has opened the lines of virtual communication with a new option that allows users to receive direct messages from any user on Twitter.The opt-in feature appears to be rolling out now. Some Twitter users, including those at PCMag, are seeing the option in their Settings menu, but it's not yet available for everyone.
Since the launch of Twitter, users have only been able to send direct messages if both parties followed each other on the micro-blogging service. The policy cut down on spam messages from unknown users, but it meant that customer service reps trying to troubleshoot a problem, for example, had to ask people to follow them prior to taking a discussion to direct message.
Now, users can navigate to Settings > Account on Twitter.com and scroll down to the Content section. Once rolled out, there should be an option to check the box next to "Receive direct messages from any follower."
"If you check this option, any Twitter user that follows you will be able to send you a DM, regardless of whether you decide to follow them back," a note below that option reads.
Not everyone was so eager to give it a try. "Great feature if you like spam dm's from bots
" user Magnus Thörnblad tweeted in response to Connolly's news.50Kings founder Francisco Dao echoed those feelings, writing that "only an idiot would check that box."
Twitter did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.
Recently, an experimental account suggested that Twitter may be testing a new direct message service that allows for breaking news direct messages. The @eventparrot test account is similar to the @magicrecs account, which eventually turned into a full-fledged push notification system.
In September, the company launched Twitter Alerts, which provide users with notifications about emergency situations from trusted sources like the American Red Cross, FEMA, the World Health Organization, and various state and local groups. Users must subscribe to the alerts.
