Microsoft Outlook 365 has introduced a new clutter box to its email system, which aims to filter low priority messages and save users time.
Clutter analyses users’ past reading habits to determine what messages they are most likely to ignore, and filters them to a separate folder. All other messages are delivered to the inbox as normal.
Some students have complained that the clutter feature has mistakenly filtered important emails from their professors and student organizations.
“When I first noticed the folder, I didn’t think anything of it,” said Chelsea Kempton. “But when I went to the student government meeting, there were quite a few people who either weren’t there, or said they didn’t get the email. I thought maybe it had something to do with [the clutter] folder.”
The system may also incorrectly filter important first-time communications.
“I had one of my grad school acceptance letters land in the clutter box,” said Autumn Laws. “An email like that isn’t something arbitrary and forgettable … it can make or break someone’s future.”
If mistakes are made, students can move messages back to their inboxes, and the system will adjust its priority settings.
However, students will have to first check the folder to notice mistakes.
“It’s hard enough to get people to look at their emails, so if [emails are] going into an extra folder, there’s almost zero chance,” said Kempton.
Employee and faculty accounts are not affected, as the new feature has only been implemented on the Office 365 mailboxes.
The IT department has created a “clutter bypass rule” in the university email system, which will examine incoming messages and allow them to bypass the clutter folder if they are from an approved sender, said assistant director Annette Short.
Alternatively, students can turn the clutter feature off any time in the options menu. Detailed instructions can be found on Microsoft’s website.
The IT department is looking for student feedback as they continue to evaluate and monitor the clutter feature through the semester, said Short.
