FT News Briefing Peak social media: Trouble at Twitter
Jul 1, 2023
Evan Henshaw-Plath, one of the original creators of Twitter, dives into the stormy landscape following Elon Musk's takeover of the platform. He discusses how Musk's vision clashes with Twitter's established culture, raising questions about the company's survival. The conversation addresses Twitter's revenue struggles and the impact of recent leadership changes on employee morale. Henshaw-Plath reflects on the platform's origins, highlighting its evolution and the increasing challenges of user trust and misinformation as it gears up for the approaching election season.
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Sink Stunt
- Elon Musk tweeted a video of himself carrying a sink into Twitter HQ, writing, "Let that sink in."
- This act, perceived as a joke, highlighted his acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion.
Twitter's Financial History
- Twitter's financial struggles predate Musk's ownership, with profitability issues present since its early days.
- The platform has only been profitable twice in the past decade.
Origin of Twitter's Name
- Twitter's name originated from a search in an Oxford English Dictionary during a hackathon.
- Noah Glass suggested the name, referencing bird communication and short messages.