Exploring How One of Social Media’s Giants Became a Political Tool and What This Means for the Future of Online Discourse
When Elon Musk purchased Twitter in 2022, he promised sweeping changes to the platform, most notably a renewed commitment to “freedom of speech.” With this promise, Musk captured the attention of many who felt social media had grown overly restrictive and curated. But the transformation of Twitter into ‘X’ has taken the platform in a direction that few anticipated.
Musk’s pledge for open expression has been overshadowed by actions that appear to favour his own interests and influence. Many users are beginning to feel that the concept of “free speech” is selective on X, with the algorithm seeming to favour Musk’s posts and those of certain political allies. In this blog, we’ll explore how X has changed, the role of algorithms in steering political discourse, and what this shift means for social media and online freedom.
The Promise of Free Speech and Where It Went Wrong
Elon Musk’s takeover was accompanied by bold promises of making Twitter an open platform where users could freely express opinions, especially those deemed controversial. He criticised previous moderation policies as overly censorious and vowed that Twitter, now ‘X,’ would become a “public square” for all voices. However, while these changes initially seemed empowering, they quickly morphed into something more self-serving.
From favouring Musk’s posts in users’ feeds to algorithmically boosting tweets aligned with his viewpoints, the idea of an unbiased public square now feels compromised. Instead of creating a free-speech haven, the platform has evolved into a tool that amplifies Musk’s personal voice and agenda.
How X’s Algorithm Changed Under Musk’s Ownership
One of the most significant shifts on X has been the alteration of its algorithm, which now appears to prioritise Musk’s tweets and those of his close network. Users have reported seeing Musk’s tweets more frequently than before, even if they aren’t following him. Some have observed that posts expressing support for Musk’s views on issues like free speech, technology, or even specific political positions receive more visibility than those offering alternative perspectives.
This algorithmic bias is concerning because it subtly shapes public discourse. By prioritising certain voices, the platform effectively pushes other voices into the background, limiting the diversity of viewpoints that reach users. Unlike traditional media, where people choose what to consume, social media algorithms shape what users see, often without them realising it. In the case of X, the algorithm amplifies Musk’s viewpoints, while posts that don’t align with his interests risk being downranked or sidelined.
The Influence of X on Politics and Public Opinion
Musk’s enhanced visibility on X isn’t just about ego; it’s also a powerful political tool. As one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and a CEO with strong opinions, Musk holds considerable sway over public opinion. Through X, he can influence discourse on topics ranging from climate change and AI ethics to electoral politics and international affairs.
For instance, in recent elections, there have been reports of certain political figures gaining traction on X thanks to algorithmic boosts. Musk’s support of specific candidates or political ideas could now shape users’ voting behaviours, directly impacting democratic processes. This transformation of a social platform into a tool for political influence reflects a larger concern around how unchecked power in the tech industry can be wielded to shape not only the content people see but also their perspectives and decisions.
How the “Free Speech” Platform Became Selective
Ironically, while Musk promised a commitment to free speech, X’s selective amplification and shadowbanning practices echo the very censorship he once decried. Critics have pointed out instances where accounts opposing Musk’s views faced downranking or, in some cases, outright suspension. This selective approach to free speech raises questions about what freedom truly means on X.
Beyond content suppression, X has also altered its verification and monetisation structures. The original Twitter verification was aimed at confirming the identity of public figures, journalists, and influencers to enhance the platform’s credibility. Musk, however, replaced this with a paid verification model, allowing anyone with a subscription to acquire a verified status. As a result, the platform has become susceptible to misinformation, with anonymous accounts and bots gaining legitimacy simply through paid verification. This has created an environment where public trust in information is eroded.
Surveillance Capitalism and the Data-Driven Agenda
Musk’s control of X reflects another growing concern in social media—surveillance capitalism. Social media platforms are already under scrutiny for monetising user data and using algorithms to increase engagement at the cost of privacy. However, under Musk’s ownership, there is an added layer of concern: not only is X collecting and monetising data, but it’s also reportedly using this data to shape and reinforce Musk’s personal influence and commercial interests.
The consequences of this shift are twofold. On the one hand, users lose a level of autonomy over the content they see, with X using their data to tailor feeds to promote select viewpoints. On the other, there’s an increased potential for data to be used for political and commercial manipulation. With Musk’s other business interests, such as Tesla and SpaceX, X’s data-driven model could support a network of influence that extends far beyond social media.
The Rise of Decentralised Platforms: Will Users Migrate?
The changes at X have left many users seeking alternatives that are less manipulated and politically charged. Decentralised social media platforms such as Mastodon and Bluesky have gained traction as people look for spaces free from corporate or individual influence. These platforms are appealing to users who want transparency, data autonomy, and more control over the content they see.
While decentralised platforms currently have smaller user bases, their growth signals a shift in public attitudes toward online freedom and privacy. If X continues to alienate users with algorithmic biases and selective amplification, it’s possible that more people will leave the platform for these alternatives. This shift could reshape the social media landscape, challenging centralised platforms and leading to a more open, user-focused internet.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Social Media?
The transformation of Twitter into X highlights the complexities of balancing free speech with personal interests in social media. Musk’s use of the platform to amplify his views and potentially influence politics reveals the inherent risks of privately owned platforms when they’re controlled by individuals with vested interests.
For users, the downfall of Twitter as a public square and its transformation into a tool for Musk’s influence serves as a reminder of the importance of data control, transparency, and user agency in social media. As social media giants continue to shape discourse, we are left to question the role of these platforms in democratic societies and the ethics of algorithms that can shape public opinion for private gain.
Moving Forward: The Role of Digital Literacy and Accountability
The situation with X underscores the importance of digital literacy—understanding how social media algorithms work and how they might influence what we see online. Users who are aware of how algorithms prioritise or downplay certain content can make more informed decisions about the information they consume and share.
For the future of social media, the public’s demand for accountability and transparency could become crucial. Platforms may face increased pressure to disclose how their algorithms work, reveal data practices, and ensure that “freedom of speech” isn’t selectively enforced. Ideally, social media companies should embrace transparency and prioritise ethical data use to rebuild public trust.
Final Thoughts
At Flaminky, we believe that social media should be a space that truly supports freedom of expression, transparency, and accountability. As X’s transformation challenges our understanding of free speech in a digital age, we’re watching closely to see how these shifts impact users, content creators, and society as a whole.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, our goal is to provide insights that empower our readers to make informed choices about the platforms they engage with and to explore ways that technology can truly serve the people it connects. As social media platforms continue to evolve, let’s champion an internet that values diversity, independence, and genuine freedom for all voices.