Abstract: The technology involves messaging applications that support message threads that can involve grouped messages pertaining a conversation, post, or topic. A user interface can employ a communication pane or other message area to present all threads in a particular room, not just the threads that the user is currently following. Following can occur when a user elects to be notified of new replies by clicking a “follow” indicia, replying to or starting a thread, or when someone else specifically mentions the user. The UI may present different notifications about new replies or other details based on a type of display device the person is currently using. For threads that include specific references to the user or are not currently being followed, graphical indicia can be presented as a tailored alert. Different filter options in the user interface enable the user to see threads they are following or mentioned in.