High-profile figures are increasingly leaving the social media platform known as X, formerly Twitter, amid concerns over its direction under Elon Musk's ownership. Gabrielle Union, best known for her role in Bring It On, recently declared her departure from the platform, citing the return of volatile individuals and changes to the terms of service as key reasons for her decision.
Union's farewell to X echoed sentiments shared by other notable figures, including actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who also announced her exit shortly after. Union's parting words were filled with resolve as she emphasized, "There are pivotal moments in life when we must declare enough is enough—and for me, today is the day." She expressed her commitment to engaging with platforms valuing inclusivity and respect, leaving users with assurance she would still be active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.
These high-profile exits are symptomatic of a broader trend among users frustrated with X's environment. Many have linked their departures to the site’s transformation since Musk took over, which has included significant changes to its content moderation policies and its user base's political leanings. A recent surge of far-right conspiracy theories and hate speech has led to allegations of X becoming increasingly toxic.
The Guardian, another major outlet, recently confirmed it would cease posting content on X, effectively condemning the platform as overtly toxic and harmful. The editor of Dagens Nyheter, Sweden's leading newspaper, joined this exodus, expressing discontent with how closely X has aligned itself with Musk's political ambitions and those of his allies.
The growing discontent is not just limited to individual users or celebrities but extends to media organizations. For many, the initial excitement about engaging with audiences on social media has transformed to frustration, with the benefits struggling to outweigh the pitfalls.
At the heart of the issue are concerns from various users who feel uncomfortable with the company's policies and executive decisions. Changes to the platform have led critics to label it as increasingly divisive, where information rights and user safety have taken a back seat. Commenters have noted how the lack of moderation on X allows damaging rhetoric and unfounded conspiracies to thrive.
Elon Musk's recent decision to allow platform policy changes enabling the use of user tweets and content to train AI has raised additional alarm. Critics have pointed out how these shifts infringe on user privacy and threaten to create more distrust among users.
The new terms of service were described by Union as one of the main catalysts for her leaving the platform, where she stated: "I find myself at a crossroads, facing a direction I can no longer fully support." This sentiment is shared widely among users who feel similarly affected by the changing nature of the platform.
Even more troubling for many is Musk's alignment with President-elect Donald Trump, which has left users uneasy about where X is heading. With Musk now leading Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, this fusion of technology and politics has been met with skepticism and disdain.
Meanwhile, users are migrating to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads, seeking environments where they can express themselves without the toxicity they associate with X. Many users have reported feeling liberated after leaving the platform, relieved to be part of spaces prioritizing respectful and authentic interaction.
Reflecting on their experiences, some users reported feeling trapped on X due to the connections they’ve established, yet the rise of disturbing content has made them reconsider their long-term presence. With some declaring their continued loyalty to the platform due to friendships built over the years, many now doubt their future on X as they see more peers exiting.
This exodus raises questions about the long-term viability of X, particularly as more high-profile figures join the wave. Observers opine this could signal the start of even more awareness of the need for responsible engagement on social media, where users prioritize mental wellbeing and constructive interactions over inflammatory discourse.
To many, Union's decision serves as both a personal resolution and as part of something much larger. The shift reflects the growing recognition of how social media impacts not only individual users but society at large, propelling conversations about the importance of accountability and safety online.
The broader trend of leaving X is proving to be potentially transformative, as previously disillusioned users are shifting their focus toward platforms nurturing positive dialogue. Whether X can bounce back from this seismic shift remains to be seen, but for now, the conversations surrounding social media and its influence on public discourse continue unabated.
