**X's Unauthorized Changes to User Settings: The Case of the Chronological Timeline**

X, formerly known as Twitter, has faced criticism for its approach to user settings, particularly regarding the manipulation of feed preferences without explicit user consent. Here's a rundown of how this issue manifests:

**1. Defaulting to Algorithmic Feed:**
   - Users can initially set their timeline to display tweets in chronological order, often by selecting "Latest" or "Following". However, many users report that X occasionally switches this back to the "For You" algorithmic feed without warning or permission. This has been a recurring issue, with users needing to manually reset their preference each time.[](**2. Persistence of User Choices:**
   - There's no consistent mechanism for the platform to "remember" user preferences for a chronological timeline. After closing the app or after a certain period, users often find themselves back on the algorithmically curated feed, which includes content not specifically chosen by the user.[](**3. Lack of Clear Indication:**
   - When X changes the timeline view back to algorithmic, there's often no visual cue or notification to the user. This can lead to confusion, as users might not immediately realize their timeline has been altered, potentially missing out on desired content.[](**4. User Frustration:**
   - The practice has led to widespread frustration among users who value the simplicity and control of a chronological feed. Complaints on social media highlight that this behavior feels like a disregard for user autonomy, with some users feeling manipulated into engaging with content the algorithm deems preferable.[](**5. Impact on User Experience:**
   - By altering settings without user consent, X potentially skews the platform's utility for those who depend on real-time updates for news, events, or personal use, where the sequence of posts matters.

**6. Privacy and Control Concerns:**
   - There's an underlying concern about how these changes might relate to broader data privacy and control issues, where users feel their choices are not respected or that their behavior is being steered for X's benefit, like increased engagement or ad exposure.

**Conclusion:**
The practice of X changing user-selected settings, particularly the switch from a chronological to an algorithmic timeline, has been a significant point of contention. It reflects a broader tension between platform control and user autonomy, leading many to question the extent to which they can truly customize their X experience. Users advocate for more persistent settings that respect their choices without needing constant reconfiguration.