On Tuesday, Reddit announced a new feature that will provide users with more privacy regarding what is being shared in their user profiles.
The company says it is rolling out an update that introduces a “Content and Activity” setting that allows users to determine which content will be displayed in their profiles from participating SubredDits. This includes both posts and comments history.
By default, all posts and comments remain visible as before. However, the new settings allow users to hide all public posts and comments, including those created directly in their profiles.
Alternatively, users can decide to selectively view posts and comments from specific communities, while hiding others.
Settings are available in the new Curate Profile section, where users can control content visibility. Show or hide follower counts There is also an option toggling NSFW content and activities on or off, just as followers toggle.
This update adds previously unavailable layers of privacy to Reddit.
Previously, many Reddit users created “Throway” accounts when they wanted to ask more personal questions. However, as Reddit transforms into a tech company focused on post-IPO ads, it is likely that user data such as engagement and interests are associated with a single user profile for better ad targeting.
The addition of this feature may encourage users to become more involved in the site. Because now they know that they can vaguely operate from public places somewhat.
For example, users may chime or ask questions about topics of a more sensitive nature, such as relationships and dating advice, or health issues they are facing. Previously, they may have been able to not only read other people’s posts, but also not directly involved in preventing information from appearing in their user profiles.
Reddit says the option to hide or display posts and comments is only available for each communication, not individual posts or comments levels. This makes your settings easier to manage, even if you can’t select and select which specific comments or posts you won’t see.
Still, users need to know that curation options do not mean they have true privacy. Their usernames still appear next to posts and comments in the community itself. Additionally, some moderators will have access to users’ public posts and comment history for 28 days, regardless of their content visibility settings, Reddit says.
This access is useful when moderators who need to check their history when they post or comment, or when submitting “models” such as participation requests or requests to join a restricted community.
Profile owners can also temporarily check the user’s full post and check their comment history if another user commented directly on a profile post, the company noted.
In addition to this change, Reddit has introduced an updated personal activity overview that provides an overview of user activity, including karma count, total contribution, account age, and active community. The latter is based on content and activity settings.