Factually! with Adam Conover cover image

Factually! with Adam Conover

Inside Elon's Twitter Takeover with Ryan Mac and Kate Conger

Nov 13, 2024
Ryan Mac and Kate Conger, New York Times tech reporters and co-authors of 'Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter', dissect the chaotic aftermath of Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. They examine the bewildering political implications, unveiling how the platform became a tool in shaping American politics. The duo discusses Musk's erratic motivations and the turmoil following his acquisition, from drastic layoffs to a chaotic workplace. Amidst the absurdity, they highlight the challenges of managing a platform now rebranded as 'X', grappling with advertiser relations and rising hate speech.
01:27:19

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Quick takeaways

  • Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now X, shifted the platform's identity and moderation practices, profoundly affecting American political discourse.
  • The drastic reduction of content moderation under Musk led to a spike in hate speech and misinformation, alienating advertisers and threatening revenue.

Deep dives

Elon Musk's Purchase of Twitter

Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now called X, signified a colossal change in both his public persona and the platform itself. Initially viewed as a risky investment with uncertain returns, the purchase was framed around the idea of transforming Twitter into a haven for free speech. However, the implications went beyond just profitability, as Musk sought to reshape the platform's moderation policies and assert his influence. The acquisition ultimately positioned Musk at the center of online political discourse, leveraging the platform to propel narratives that align with his ideological stance.

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