After the recent US presidential election, Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, has witnessed a significant exodus of users. This mass departure includes high-profile celebrities and prominent news organizations alike, with many seeking refuge on rival platforms like Bluesky, launched by Twitter's co-founder Jack Dorsey.
Immediately following the election, Bluesky reported over one million new users joining in just one week. Its appeal primarily stems from the perceived toxicity of X, where misinformation and hate speech have proliferated under Musk's leadership. Understandably, celebrities and major media entities are re-evaluing their presence on the platform.
Jamie Lee Curtis, the Oscar-winning actress known for her outspoken views, deactivated her X account and shared her thoughts on Instagram. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,” she prayed, underscoring her dissatisfaction with the platform's environment.
Alongside Curtis, The Guardian announced its withdrawal from X, citing the continuous spread of disinformation as one of the main reasons for its departure. They issued statements emphasizing their long-standing concerns about X becoming increasingly toxic and promoting harmful rhetoric, especially during turbulent political times.
Other notable celebrities have also exited X amid the growing unrest with the platform's direction. Award-winning CNN news anchor Don Lemon shared his own sentiments about leaving, stating he once viewed X as a space for honest debates and transparency but now sees it as compromised. He urged his followers to connect with him on Bluesky, highlighting the shift many are making toward platforms seen as more responsible.
Even Bette Midler's abrupt exit made waves, even though she didn't leave behind any farewell message, marking her departure with posts criticizing Trump. Comedian Greg Davies also announced he would be leaving, thanking followers for their support without delving too deeply on the reasons behind his decision.
The ramifications of Musk's policy changes on X can't be overlooked either. After he took control of the platform, he swiftly dismantled the teams dedicated to combatting misinformation, leading to fears of escalated hate speech and false information circulating freely on the platform. Musk's administration issued general amnesties, reinstated banned accounts including those connected to far-right groups, and revamped the verification system, turning it from a credibility check to a paid feature.
Despite these controversial moves, Musk remains X’s most influential user, boasting nearly 200 million followers. Over the year, he has posted more than 50 messages flagged for misinformation, according to reports from the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
The mass exodus raises several important questions about the future of social media platforms like X. Will they adapt to the criticisms being levied against them? Or will competition from newer, alternative platforms continue to surge?
Another significant player on the scene is Bluesky, which has been capitalizing on the discontent surrounding X. Users are flocking to Dorsey's platform for its focus on community moderation and healthier social interactions. Bluesky may still be nascent compared to X, but its popularity has been rapidly growing as users seek more secure alternatives.
For many influencers and news entities, the freedom to communicate without fear of their messages being misrepresented or manipulated has become increasingly valuable. With the debates about freedom of speech versus accountability raging on, how platforms handle these conversations will determine the health of their user base.
The story of celebrities and news organizations migrating away from X after Trump's election highlights not just personal decisions but also larger societal tendencies toward digital safety and accountability. The question remains—how will X respond to this mass exit and what steps will they take moving forward?
Only time will tell if Musk can seek reconciliation with his outraged users or if rival platforms will continue to gain traction as safe havens for those unwilling to bend to the chaotic dynamics on X.
