Yea, this is not changing how that works, it’s an new feature for optional extra privacy for those who want it. Imagine wanting to stay out up to date on 3D printed arms, divisive political figures, etc. but having to make separate accounts to follow them without the risk of being put on list by state-bootlicking activists or NYT ‘journalists’ 👎
Discussion
Or being a popular nym account and wanting to follow friends or family members without doxxing yourself
Yes I see the use case here, for those who use their IRL name/identity
another solution could be to turn on notifications of any account you wish; less an outright “follow”, more a perpetual bookmark on their output