Elon Musk’s Twitter two years on: How X was handed to the far-right
Oct 11, 2024
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In this discussion, tech reporter Ryan Broderick, known for his insights on the tech landscape through his Garbage Day newsletter, dives into the aftermath of Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition. They explore how Musk's vision morphed into a haven for far-right content, leading to a significant loss of users and advertisers. Broderick examines the implications of chaotic content moderation and algorithm changes, while forecasting the rise of niche platforms over Musk's ambitious 'everything app.' The conversation reveals a bleak outlook for the platform's future.
Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, now X, has engendered a surge in far-right content, undermining user trust and damaging the platform's reputation.
The drastic shift in X's algorithm to prioritize paid content has fragmented user experience, distancing it from its original appeal of real-time interactions.
Deep dives
Impact of Elon Musk's Twitter Acquisition
Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, now rebranded as X, has significantly altered the platform's landscape. Once aimed at creating a balanced public space, the site has become inundated with far-right content, leading to a drastic loss of user trust and a staggering valuation drop of 79%. Many users have reported an increase in extremist material in their feeds, a stark contrast to the previous moderate atmosphere under former CEO Jack Dorsey. The political neutrality Musk promised seems to have been abandoned, with the current environment characterized by unchecked discourse and an apparent prioritization of user engagement over responsible content moderation.
Changes in Content Moderation and Trust
Since Musk's takeover, the platform's trust and safety measures have been severely undermined, leaving users vulnerable to harmful content. Key moderation teams have been dismantled, resulting in a lack of accountability as many objectionable posts go unaddressed. Users have noticed a significant decline in the effectiveness of safety features that were once in place, making interactions on the platform increasingly precarious. As trust in the platform wanes, many users question the reliability and integrity of content, which could have long-term implications for online discourse.
Technical Changes and User Experience
The algorithmic structure of X has shifted radically, with greater emphasis on non-chronological feeds, resulting in a fragmented user experience. Previously, the platform allowed for a more organic content flow, sometimes elevating even less popular users to prominence. The current structure not only limits the visibility of individual posts but also tends to favor paid content, further complicating users' ability to engage with diverse ideas. Overall, these changes have detracted from Twitter's original appeal as a platform for real-time interaction and discussion.
Future of Social Media Platforms
The landscape of social media is evolving, with users likely to explore various niche platforms rather than remaining loyal to X. Musk's vision of an 'everything app' contrasts sharply with user preferences, which lean toward specialized platforms that cater to specific interests. As competition grows, other sites struggle to replicate the quick, engaging experience Twitter once provided, leading to an exodus from mainstream social media. With diminishing user trust and a fractured community, the long-term sustainability of platforms like X appears increasingly doubtful, suggesting that a significant transformation or decline may soon occur.
Two years after Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter takeover, the platform has become a hotbed for alt-right content. Having lost a fifth of its user base and a mass exodus of advertisers, what happened to Musk’s dream of turning the platform into an ‘everything app’? Today, Jacob Jarvis sits down with tech reporter Ryan Broderick, author of the Garbage Daynewsletter, to try and understand Musk’s impact on the social media landscape.
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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production