Twitter was launched in 2006 as a microblogging platform that allowed users to share their thoughts, news, and updates within a 140-character limit, fostering real-time engagement and concise communication.
The platform gained prominence as a space for text-based interactions, making it a hub for journalists, academics, politicians, and everyday users seeking real-time updates and discussions.
Over time, Twitter increased its character limit to 280, introduced features like threads, and retained its core focus on text-based content.
The Evolution Under Elon Musk
When Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022, he had a vision for the platform that would be radically different from its original purpose.
Rebranded as X, the platform now focuses on short videos and reels, aligning it with visually-oriented platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The algorithm changed drastically to give preference to photos or videos in a post and suppress text-based posts. This demoted the original core users of Twitter, who preferred concise textual communication over visual content.
Algorithmic Changes and Its Impact
Musk’s algorithm started favoring multimedia content algorithmically. Text-based posts, once the hallmark of the platform, now have a hard time getting noticed as videos or images take center stage. Shashi Tharoor, an Indian politician, is one such example.
He saw his follower count stagnate and engagement drop, which he suspected was due to shadowbanning.
When he asked Musk for clarification, the response revealed the opaque practices of the platform, which only increased concerns about fairness and transparency.
Additionally, users often encounter content unrelated to their interests, such as non-cricket fans in India being shown cricket-related posts. These algorithmic inconsistencies alienate users and disrupt personalized experiences.
The Paid Blue Tick Verification System
Under Musk, the blue tick on Twitter, which was once the badge of authenticity for verified accounts, was made controversial. The platform introduced a subscription model and offered the blue tick for $10 per month.
This democratized access to verification but diluted the badge’s credibility. The users felt that the system no longer distinguished genuine accounts from fake ones, and trust in the verification process of the platform was lost.
This move, perceived as a cash-grab strategy, further commercialized the platform, prioritizing revenue over user experience.
Rebranding to X: Public Reception and Criticism
Musk’s Twitter rebrand to Twitter X was largely met with skepticism. Where a blue bird became the embodiment of instant communication for generations of users,
Twitter X sought to strip all emotional meaning away by swapping in a lone, minimalist “X.” Critics argue that this rebrand alienated long-time users because they associated the platform with its original identity.
The name “X” also sparked confusion, with users questioning its relevance to the platform’s purpose. For many, the rebranding symbolized a departure from Twitter’s original ethos, leaving them nostalgic for the platform they once loved.
The Political Tilt of Content Visibility
Another significant change under Musk’s leadership is the perceived political bias in content visibility. Right-wing posts are reportedly more prominent, sparking accusations of favoritism.
This shift has raised concerns about ideological balance and the platform’s role as a neutral space for diverse viewpoints.
The algorithm’s emphasis on controversial and polarizing content further exacerbates divisions, driving engagement at the expense of meaningful discourse.
Instances of Irrelevant Content
Many users have complained about encountering irrelevant content on their feeds, which is a serious usability issue.
For example, Indian users who are not interested in cricket have complained about being flooded with cricket-related posts. This is a broader issue: the algorithm is more focused on engagement metrics than user preferences.
Such mistakes reduce the appeal of the platform and lead to user dissatisfaction.
Impact on User Experience
These changes have significantly altered the user experience on X. The original focus of the platform was on text-based interactions, which has been overshadowed by algorithm-driven content prioritization.
Users now see content dictated by the algorithm rather than their own preferences, creating a disconnect between what they seek and what they are shown.
The emphasis on monetization and engagement metrics has shifted the priorities of the platform, alienating long-time users who valued its simplicity and authenticity.
Broader Implications for X’s Identity
Twitter into X raises broader questions about the identity and future of the platform. By focusing on visual content, commercialization, and algorithm-driven feeds, X risks losing its unique appeal as a microblogging platform.
The dilution of authenticity through paid verification and the alienation of core users challenge the platform’s long-term viability.
While the changes Musk makes are intended to increase X’s user base and revenue, they also risk alienating loyal users who preferred the original Twitter experience.
As the platform continues to evolve, it must reconcile these competing priorities to maintain relevance in an increasingly crowded social media landscape.
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