Explore the evolution of Twitter from a versatile platform to a hub of online harassment and misinformation. Discover Elon Musk's influence as a prominent user and examine the addictive nature of the platform.
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Quick takeaways
Twitter's cultural and political influence exceeds its size due to its ability to be different things to different people.
Elon Musk's influential presence on Twitter highlights the lack of checks and balances within the platform.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Twitter's Identity
Twitter started without a clear identity or purpose, which allowed it to be different things to different people. Some saw it as the future of communication, while others viewed it as the public square. However, as Twitter grew, it became apparent that the platform's openness also attracted negative elements, such as bullying and misinformation.
The Influence of Elon Musk and the Power Imbalance
Elon Musk, an avid Twitter user, became one of the most important and influential figures on the platform. However, this highlights the lack of checks and balances within the platform, as one individual holds significant power behind closed doors. The podcast discusses the implications of such power dynamics and the challenges Twitter faces in dealing with issues like deep fakes, misinformation, and the scaling of new features.
A year ago, in what was essentially the world’s most expensive impulse purchase, Elon Musk bought Twitter. That made him Twitter’s most important user. But he’s certainly not the only one to fall for its spell - a spell that promises attention, connection, and power. This season will explore why Twitter’s cultural and political influence far exceeds its size, and how its biggest users shaped it, for better and worse.
Hosted by Vox senior correspondent Peter Kafka. Episodes drop every Wednesday beginning October 25th.