Twitter launches prompt asking users to rethink abusive tweets

Algorithm will identify tweets that may be harmful or offensive' and give option to edit, delete, or send anyway

Many of us have dashed off a mean-spirited reply in the heat of the moment. Now, Twitter wants to appeal to the good inside even the most callous trolls in an attempt to improve the tone of its social network.

From Thursday, the company will roll out a new prompt to users who are about to send a tweet that its algorithms believe could be harmful or offensive". Those who try to send such a message will be asked if they want to review this before tweeting", with the options to edit, delete, or send anyway.