Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and its subsequent rebranding to X has led to significant transformations within the platform, particularly as it approaches the end of 2024. By December, X has become a polarized environment where controversial posts are increasingly gaining traction. For instance, a profile named Inevitable West amassed 131,600 followers in just two months by sharing misleading content, highlighting the platform's shift towards divisive narratives [3f3188a1].
In light of these developments, Musk's alignment with Donald Trump has raised concerns about the future of social media dynamics. Following Trump's election victory on November 6, 2024, X has seen its largest user exodus to date, with many users dissatisfied with the platform's direction and policies [e93578ff]. This user dissatisfaction is compounded by the introduction of a new X Premium subscription, which costs around £10 per month and allows users to monetize their content based on engagement [3f3188a1].
Musk's recent directives urging users to avoid posting harmful content come amid rising concerns over hate speech and misinformation. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Kenya reported over 200 cases of such content between April and June 2024, prompting Musk to encourage users to share more positive and informative posts [9c75c6dc].
Moreover, changes in moderation policies and algorithms have led to allegations of bias and the incitement of hate speech on the platform. Musk's endorsement of Trump in July 2024 and his offer of a government position to the former president have further complicated perceptions of X's political neutrality [3f3188a1]. Notable figures, including Stephen King and Barbra Streisand, have left the platform, citing these issues as key reasons for their departure [e93578ff].
As X grapples with these challenges, the rise of competitors like Bluesky, which gained 16 million users recently, underscores a significant shift in user preferences. Analysts predict that X may either collapse under the weight of its controversies or evolve into a political super-app [e93578ff]. The ongoing dynamics between Musk, Trump, and the evolving landscape of social media will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of X and its competitors [e93578ff].