"direct messaging has only been relevant to a small percentage of our global user base"
2 issues in this statement.
firstly, wattpad is just bullshitting here. most people here use DMS to connect with readers, friends. the reason people still use wattpad instead of ao3 is because of it's social media like feature
secondly, is wattpad saying "oh blahblah we're just going to close dms because minority of people don't matter" this sounds extremely problematic