Can Elon Musk Stem the Tide of Users Leaving Twitter/X?
Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, users have expressed concerns over the platform’s trajectory under his leadership. From associations with controversial political figures to growing concerns about misinformation and toxic online interactions, Twitter/X has seen a steady exodus of users seeking alternative platforms.
Many individuals and organizations are migrating towards more ethical and less toxic environments, with platforms like Threads and Bluesky experiencing significant growth. This shift in user behavior has likely caught Musk’s attention, leading to recent modifications on Twitter/X itself.
A Curious Feature: Hiding Engagement Metrics
In a move that surprised many, Elon Musk recently announced the ability to conceal likes, shares, and reposts on Twitter/X. This decision has sparked debate, with some viewing it as an attempt to mask the declining engagement on the platform. “A suspicious decision which looks like an attempt to hide the drop in energy of the platform,” commented technology outlet Futurism.
Adding to the intrigue, developer May Ly revealed a new form of user interaction involving simple gestures on posts:
This seemingly regressive step erases the visibility of engagement metrics that Musk initially championed. Just after acquiring Twitter, he had emphasized the importance of displaying view counts to promote transparency. “Why Musk is suddenly concerned about a “cleaner” user interface is a bit of a mystery.” Futurism observed. “Since taking control of the social media platform in 2022, the company has peppered it with a confusing array of colored checkmarks, useless information and a flood of disturbing advertisements.”
The Rise of the Alternatives: Bluesky and Threads
The success of platforms like Bluesky and Threads underscores the dissatisfaction with Twitter/X’s current trajectory. Bluesky’s user base surged to 3.5 million last week, marking a remarkable 300% increase since US election polling day. Earlier this month, Meta’s Threads reached an impressive 275 million monthly active people.
“Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is paying attention, with many former Twitter users choosing Bluesky instead of Threads following the election,” Futurism reported.
The trajectory of Twitter/X seems increasingly uncertain. Despite Musk’s efforts to address concerns and retain users, the platform faces stiff competition from emerging alternatives that prioritize ethical considerations and user experience.
Can Elon Musk implement changes to reverse the trend of users leaving Twitter/X?
## Can Elon Musk Stem the Tide of Users Leaving Twitter/X?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the ongoing exodus from Twitter/X and whether Elon Musk can turn things around. Joining us is social media expert, Dr. Sarah Thompson, to shed some light on this issue. Dr. Thompson, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** So, since Elon Musk’s takeover, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in users leaving Twitter/X for platforms like Threads and Bluesky. Do you think this trend is sustainable, and what are the major contributing factors?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s definitely a trend worth watching. Users are clearly seeking out alternatives that address concerns about misinformation, toxicity, and, I would argue, a sense of declining relevance within the Twitter/X community.
**Interviewer:** Musk recently introduced the ability to hide likes, shares, and reposts. Some see this as a way to mask declining engagement. What’s your take on this move?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s definitely a curious decision. While Musk claims it empowers users to focus on content rather than metrics, it does raise eyebrows. Hiding engagement data could be perceived as an attempt to obscure the platform’s actual health, especially if engagement is indeed waning. [[1](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1856520760656797801)]
**Interviewer:** Do you think there’s anything Musk can do to reverse this trend and attract users back to Twitter/X?
**Dr. Thompson:** Musk needs to address the root causes of user dissatisfaction. That means tackling misinformation proactively, fostering a more inclusive and respectful online environment, and perhaps even reconsidering some of the more controversial policy decisions since his acquisition. Simply hiding engagement metrics won’t solve the underlying issues.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights. This is certainly a critical juncture for Twitter/X, and it will be interesting to see how things play out.
**Dr. Thompson:** My pleasure.
