Twenty years after its launch, the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X, finds itself at a critical juncture. Once a revolutionary force in global communication, enabling real-time news dissemination and fostering direct engagement between public figures and citizens, X is facing a significant decline in user engagement and overall popularity, particularly within the European Union. This shift raises questions about the platform’s future and its role in the evolving digital landscape.
Recent data reveals a concerning trend for X. The platform has experienced a noticeable erosion of its user base, prompting analysis of the factors contributing to this decline. The story of X is a potent reminder of how quickly digital landscapes can shift and how even the most influential platforms are not immune to changing user preferences and concerns about content moderation and platform governance.
According to data compiled by social media expert Xavier Degraux, utilizing transparency reports mandated by the Digital Services Act, X recorded 1,691,159 monthly active users in Belgium as of the end of December 2025. This represents a decrease of 162,505 users – an 8.8% drop – compared to the end of June 2025. belganewsagency.eu reports this decline is part of a broader European trend.
Across the European Union, X is estimated to have lost approximately 15% of its active users in the second half of 2025, settling at 64.77 million monthly users. The Brussels Times details this significant user drop.
The Musk Effect and Shifting User Behavior
Degraux attributes this erosion to trends observed since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in late 2022. He notes that many prominent voices and thought leaders have departed the platform, feeling increasingly misaligned with Musk’s stated positions. This exodus has contributed to a noticeable decrease in engagement, with fewer debates and discussions taking place on X. Instead, users are increasingly migrating to private messaging applications for more focused and controlled conversations.
The shift in user behavior highlights a growing concern about the platform’s direction and its ability to foster constructive dialogue. The rise of alternative platforms and the preference for private communication channels suggest a desire for more curated and less polarized online experiences. The future of social media may well depend on platforms’ ability to address these evolving user needs.
Content Moderation Concerns and Staff Reductions
A key concern raised by Degraux is the drastic reduction in X’s content moderation team. X now employs 1,059 moderators globally, a 54% decrease from November 2023. This significant reduction in moderation capacity, coupled with a declining user base, creates a potentially “toxic cocktail” for brands concerned about maintaining a safe and positive online presence.
The decrease in content moderation raises questions about the platform’s ability to effectively address harmful content, misinformation, and hate speech. A less-moderated environment could further accelerate the exodus of users and advertisers, potentially leading to a downward spiral for the platform.
LinkedIn, in contrast, is experiencing growth in the EU. Digital Information World reports that LinkedIn reveals monthly active user counts in the EU, with France outpacing Germany, Italy, and Spain.
What’s Next for X?
The challenges facing X are multifaceted, stemming from shifts in ownership, content moderation policies, and evolving user preferences. The platform’s ability to regain lost ground will depend on its capacity to address these concerns and adapt to the changing dynamics of the social media landscape. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether X can successfully navigate these challenges and reaffirm its position as a leading platform for global communication.
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