Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, has plummeted in public trust, with a recent survey revealing it's viewed as less trustworthy than even the US government. This decline is attributed to Musk's aggressive content moderation policies and controversial posts.
 |
| Elon Musk's X, once a popular social media platform, has suffered a significant decline in public trust. The platform's controversial content moderation policies and Musk's own questionable posts have contributed to this crisis Image Credit: Tumisu, Pixabay |
San Francisco, California - September 22, 2024:
Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, has plummeted in public trust, ranking lower than even the US government. This revelation, according to a recent survey, underscores the platform's tumultuous journey under Musk's leadership.
The survey, conducted by All About Cookies, found that only 28% of Americans trust X, a figure that aligns with the level of trust in the US government. This stark comparison highlights the platform's significant challenges in establishing credibility and reliability.
Several factors have contributed to X's decline in trust. Musk's aggressive approach to content moderation, characterized by mass layoffs of trust and safety staff and a focus on free speech over fact-checking, has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation. Additionally, Musk's own controversial posts, including those that have been accused of promoting political violence, have further eroded public confidence.
The platform's troubles have extended beyond domestic scrutiny. Foreign governments, such as Brazil, have also taken issue with X's content moderation policies, leading to threats of bans and legal action.
As X continues to grapple with these challenges, it faces a critical juncture. To regain public trust, the platform may need to reassess its approach to content moderation, invest in fact-checking mechanisms, and strive for a more balanced approach that prioritizes both free speech and accuracy.