Two years ago, I was given the same assignment of discussing the Eight Values of Free Expression. I chose the eighth Value, Protect Dissent, as Twitter was going through a period of mob mentality and cancellation. Today, I am discussing the same value with a different perspective following the platform's acquisition by Elon Musk.
To begin, I am going to look at my old post and compare the state of Twitter then to now. Firstly, Twitter is no longer "Twitter" following its buyout from billionaire Elon Musk, most notably owner of SpaceX and Tesla. To say that Twitter has changed in the last two years is an understatement, as the website has changed nearly every aspect of its platform apart from the basic tweet format. Twitter, now simply called "X" (though still only accessible through twitter.com), has been completely changed since the buyout, but why?
Before the buyout, Musk had claimed to be a proponent of free speech and had showed concern about Twitter adhering to the principal. The buyout process was tumultuous to say the least, as many complications arose regarding bots, lawsuits, and backing out of the deal.
During the process of the takeover, Musk has announced major changes, including the unbanning former President Donald Trump from the website along with other previously banned accounts, many of which were leaned or were affiliated with right-wing politics.
Though Musk has claimed his political position to be, "economically right of center, maybe", many online worry that he is using his position to turn X into a right-wing website.
Twitter has historically been a left-leaning website, as many large tech companies are today. Perhaps the idea of not being the majority opinion on a website has led people to believe that X will turn into an outlet for the far-right.
 |
| The Website Formerly Known as Twitter |
Twitter was gutted once the Musk takeover began. Employees who did not show support or had previously made negative comments were fired en masse, let go for just sharing their opinions. In an effort to promote free speech, Musk has inadvertently converted the user-based mob to a Musk mob.
Though X has become a cesspool of chaos, the user-based mob has certainly died down. The website is divided with more right-wing accounts flooding in. However, my worries from my first post are practically gone, as it feels that the website formerly known as Twitter closing towards its death.
X enforces a policy of "Freedom of Speech, not Reach," which allows the company to limit the availability of a post. The website has implemented levels of visibility to combat hateful or inappropriate content with different levels of penalties. The penalties include removing ads and limiting which users can view the post.
 |
| X's Free Speech Policy |
The changes on X have shifted the social media landscape, which has been filled with controversy surrounding free speech. This topic has been discussed since social media began, with many people claiming that the social media violates the first amendment. Of course, the first amendment does not reach to private companies.
I do not feel as concerned by mob rule as much as I used to be. I think this may be due to the Musk takeover and the mess that X has become. Though it is still an issue, I find it to be less significant than other issues more important to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment