Twitter seems to have mixed up new follow notifications with unfollows
Twitter allows users to follow anyone they like and receive updates whenever that person posts a tweet. One of the best things about Twitter is that you can also unfollow anyone without them knowing about it, except if they’re actively using a third party tool to track unfollowers. But a recent glitch seems to be doing the opposite. Some Twitter users have reported that they received notifications when other users unfollow them on Twitter.
Normally, Twitter lets you set up notifications whenever someone follows you. Twitter also lets you set up notifications for a number of actions including mentions and replies, new tweets from specific accounts, likes, retweets, new followers, and more.
The recent bug, first spotted by Vice, seems to be mixing up new follower notifications with unfollows. Twitter users are reporting that they’re receiving notifications for a new follower when in fact that person seems to have unfollowed them. We tried to replicate the issue but were unsuccessful. It could be limited to specific accounts for now. A Twitter spokesperson confirmed the bug to Vice, saying the company is working on it.
Twitter gives me notifications when people unfollow me saying that they followed me, it’s the funniest thing ever. ????
— sheryse ????????♂️ (@shervse) June 16, 2019
Anyone else getting unfollow notifications now ? Interesting ????
— Wayne (@Waynos67) June 19, 2019
UH OH LADIES AND GENTS if u unfollow someone it sends them a notification saying that ur now following them ??? it’s a crazy world out here stay safe
— sophie (@jamaicancrab) June 11, 2019
i just received a unfollow notification i can’t believe this is a real thing now omg
— sab (@selenaflows) June 13, 2019
Several Twitter users are still reporting that they’re receiving such notifications which means the bug hasn’t been fixed yet. It’s clearly an awkward moment if you’re trying to silently unfollow someone for whatever reason.
While Twitter doesn’t officially offer notifications for unfollows, users have been using third-party services to find out who unfollowed them. These third-party tools ask users to grant access to their Twitter account.
It’s probably not a good idea to unfollow someone on Twitter right now, unless you don’t mind them noticing. Twitter could fix the bug in the coming weeks. Until then, if you don’t want to feel hurt by getting a notification that someone you’re friends with has unfollowed you, you better turn off your notifications.