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The 'X'-odus

 If you’ve spent any time on Twitter since Elon Musk took the reins in late 2022, you have likely noticed that the platform feels different. For some, it’s been a renaissance of "free speech"; for others, a descent into digital chaos. One thing is certain: the rise in online incivility and hate speech has been impossible to ignore. What’s behind this shift, and why does Musk's influence seem to ignite so much vitriol? 

When Musk swung open the gates for previously banned accounts and loosened content moderation rules, it didn’t just unleash free thought—it opened the floodgates to hate speech and hostility. While not directly endorsed by Musk, his libertarian ideals created an environment where moderation became less consistent, and trolls felt emboldened.  

There is an additional feeling of encouragement when some of the accounts spreading this hate speech and incivility are getting paid to do so. With a premium X account, users get paid through advertising, with payments increasing along with impressions and engagement. Unfortunately, one way to get this engagement is through hate-clicks, which are easy to bait when looking at the political polarization in our current climate. In this new world of algorithms, there is a priority with posts that may spark controversy because these often lead to high levels of impressions, which is always the number one goal for social media companies. It's not just that people are angrier; it's that anger is algorithmically rewarded. Musk himself has fanned the flames, replying to trolls and engaging in flame wars with critics. 

Twitter’s evolution under Musk is a fascinating case study in what happens when ideology meets reality. Free speech, when stretched to its extremes, can clash with the need for a functional, welcoming community. The delicate balancing act of fostering open discourse while maintaining some semblance of civility seems increasingly impossible. Musk’s vision of a digital town square is compelling in theory, but in practice, it’s become a place that rewards hostility and even embraces hate speech. 

Since the results of the 2024 US Presidential Election going to Trump, there has been a huge exodus from X. Musk’s ongoing support for Trump has certainly played a part in this, as millions of users shifted to social media Bluesky, founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. It appears that Musk’s $44 billion deal to purchase Twitter, followed by many unpopular affordance changes, may not have been his most business-savvy moves. 

If you or anyone you know have been a victim to hate speech, contact the Stop Hate UK Line 24-hours a day on 0800 138 1625. 

 

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