Twitter will remain live and real-time, no algorithmic changes to timelines, says Dorsey
Twitter will remain live and real-time, no algorithmic changes to timelines, says DorseyReuters

Following backlash from users on the rumoured change in Twitter's live timelines, CEO Jack Dorsey has come forward with some comforting news. The plans to introduce Facebook-like algorithmic timelines as soon as this week were debunked by the social media platform's co-founder in a series of tweets on Sunday, insisting Twitter is "live" and "real-time."

Buzzfeed News reported on Friday that the micro-blogging social networking platform would tweak Twitter timelines to prioritise the most relevant tweets for users instead of a live feed. The decision to go algorithmic did not sit well with the millions of users of the platform, and quickly led to backlash, with users utilising the hashtag #RIPTwitter to express their disagreement.

Dorsey addressed the controversial news over the weekend, reassuring its users Twitter's real-time nature was here to stay.

Dorsey pointed towards the "while you were away" feature on the top of the timelines to catch what users missed on the site. He also made a reference to what may be coming.

"Twitter can help make connections in real-time based on dynamic interests and topics, rather than a static social/friend graph. We get it (sic)," Dorsey tweeted about the upcoming change that will keep the platform's real-time nature at its core.

Dorsey took over the reins of the company from former CEO Dick Costolo in July last year, while continuing his services at mobile payments company Square as CEO. Dorsey was confirmed for his role as Twitter's CEO in October last year and has since been trying to improve the service and bring about some much-needed changes.

Under Dorsey's regime, Twitter witnessed several changes, including the launch of new features like Moments, heart for like instead of star on tweets, along with some top-level management reshuffle. The micro-blogging social network also plans to remove the 140-character limit, another feature which was not welcomed with open arms by its users.

Twitter's user base stands at more than 300 million, and the growth has been sluggish. The company is trading below its IPO price and Twitter's stock has fallen nearly 50% since Dorsey's return last year.