Elon Musk Finally Has His Everything App

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the current state of Twitter, now known as X, and its evolving role in the social media landscape. It examines the platform's strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of Elon Musk's ownership on its direction.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Is Twitter back?

• The article presents a mixed view on the current state of Twitter/X:
  • It remains the de facto platform for breaking news and real-time events, but this is more of an addictive quality than a clear source of value.
  • Influential networks and communities are still present on the platform, but they are losing energy, reach, and audience.
  • Competing platforms like Threads and Bluesky are growing, but have their own challenges.
  • Overall, the platform is smaller and the various established communities are losing momentum.

[02] How has Elon Musk's ownership impacted Twitter/X?

• Musk's ownership has significantly transformed the platform:
  • The default "For You" feed is now an algorithmic recommendation system, making the platform more similar to other video-centric platforms like TikTok.
  • This feed is full of viral content and old news, reducing its usefulness for real-time updates.
  • The chronological "Following" feed remains, but with less engagement from longtime users who have less to gain without paying for a blue check.
  • The platform has shifted politically, with Musk's own views and endorsements playing a more prominent role.
  • New features like revenue-sharing and the ability to misgender trans people have been introduced, catering to Musk's personal preferences.

[03] What is the overall assessment of Twitter/X's future?

• The article presents a complex and nuanced view:
  • Twitter/X is "back" in the sense that it remains a platform for breaking news and real-time events, but it is also "dying" as a unique social media service.
  • The new X is ascendant, but its conjoined twin (the old Twitter) is not doing well.
  • The platform is politically shifted but no more diverse, and it is less plausible as a comprehensive "Everything App" as Musk had envisioned.
  • For those who share Musk's ideological views, the platform is seen as a corrected and purged version of the previous Twitter.
  • However, for others, the platform's changes represent a move away from its previous strengths and uniqueness.