The end of 'Likes'? X tests votes and sparks controversy

In a move that has sparked intense debate among its users, X has begun experimenting with a new interaction interface that replaces the traditional "Like" button with a voting system. This potential change, detected by several users in May 2025, is not merely aesthetic; it represents a fundamental shift in the platform's philosophy, with profound implications for public discourse and content visibility.

Suggestion: A comparison image showing the current X interface with the “Like” heart next to the new experimental interface with the thumbs up and thumbs down icons.

The test has manifested itself in two ways. Some users have reported that the heart icon has been replaced with a thumbs-up icon, and that the interaction buttons have been moved to the left side of the post.

However, the most radical and discussed version of the experiment includes both an upvote and a downvote. This system would allow users to signal not only what they like, but also what they consider irrelevant, low-quality, or something they disagree with. This feedback, much more nuanced than a simple "like," would serve to train X's recommendation algorithm in a more direct and precise way.

This experiment is not a one-off, but part of Elon Musk's long-term vision to transform X. The shift from an emotion-based system to a utility-based one is a deliberate strategic decision.

A “like,” represented by a heart, is an emotional and often passive signal of approval. In contrast, an upvote/downvote system is more functional and utilitarian. It becomes a direct tool for the community to filter and curate content, rewarding quality and relevance over simple popularity. This approach aligns with Musk’s stated goal of turning X into a “citizen journalism” platform and a source of truthful information, rather than a social network focused solely on social validation.

The idea is that by giving users more powerful tools to rate content, the algorithm itself will be able to improve the overall quality of the feed, showing more valuable information and reducing the visibility of spam or low-effort content.

“Upvotes could boost good content, while downvotes help manage the platform’s quality control.” – X’s Grok chatbot response on the potential feature.

The possibility of introducing a "dislike" or "downvote" button is one of the most controversial topics in social media design, and the X community is no exception. The reaction has been instantaneous and polarizing.

In favor:

* Many users believe it would help improve the quality of the platform by allowing the community to "bury" junk content, misinformation, and toxic comments.

* They argue that it would give content creators more honest and direct feedback about what their audiences truly value.

Against:

* The main concern is that the downvote system could be used as a weapon for harassment and censorship. Coordinated groups could use it to "punish" and suppress opinions they disagree with, creating echo chambers and silencing dissenting voices.

* There is a fear that overall negativity on the platform will increase, discouraging participation for fear of receiving an avalanche of negative votes.

This experiment is, in essence, a referendum on the type of platform X wants to be in the future. The fundamental question is whether a direct voting system will lead to a better-curated information space or an even more divided battlefield of opinions. The decision the company makes will set the course of digital conversation for millions of people.