Twitter just announced that it is adding new details to Direct Messages received from people whom you don't follow to help identify the user more easily and see if or how you are connected with them.
New message request...who's this?
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) August 20, 2020
Now when you receive a DM request, we're giving you more context upfront about who sent it, like how you’re connected to the person on Twitter. And once you tap into the request, you’ll see their profile info along with their message. pic.twitter.com/QNtwuP99AT
The new update will give more context about the person who sent the DM. Tapping their message request will display their profile information and their message. Moreover, it will also show other profiles that the user follows that you may be connected with. Tapping the message will show an abbreviated profile summary at the top of the screen.
With this feature, Twitter is making it easier for users to see the readily available information of a profile that sends them a DM, including their follower/following data and the date they joined the platform. All of this information would be useful to help understand the identity of the person in detail and the reason they may be wanting to connect with you.
The extra, contextual detail could definitely help Twitter users streamline their response process and could save them a lot of time.
Facebook has also been trying out a similar feature on its Comments section, in which people with large followings are highlighted when they engage.
Twitter's new DM addition is now available for everyone.
