The Guardian, one of the most reputable newspapers globally, has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. This move, which follows Elon Musk's controversial takeover of the platform, stems from the publication's growing concerns about the platform’s content and the political climate influenced by Musk himself.
On November 13, 2024, The Guardian communicated through its website stating, "the benefits of being on the platform formerly known as Twitter have now been outweighed by the negatives." The editorial team pointed out the "often disturbing content" it had observed, including the prevalence of far-right conspiracies and instances of racism. These factors solidified their stance, especially following the recent U.S. presidential election, which saw the return of Donald Trump, heightening the newspaper's concerns over the platform’s toxic environment.
The publication declared, "This is something we have been considering for a long time," emphasizing their apprehension about the nature of content on X. Their statement implicitly criticizes Musk’s management style, particularly how he's wielded the platform's influence to steer the political discourse and shape narratives since he took over.
Elon Musk responded to The Guardian’s announcement, dismissively labeling it as "a laboriously vile propaganda machine." His comments add to the growing tensions between X and multiple media outlets, indicating the polarization prevalent on the platform since Musk’s acquisition.
The Guardian's exit is not isolated. Other notable figures and organizations have also chosen to terminate their presence on X since Musk's takeover. For example, Journalist Don Lemon announced his departure, citing new restrictive terms of service, which he suggests favor conservative narratives. Lemon, who has over 1.5 million followers on X, initially viewed the platform as useful for debate but felt compelled to leave due to its shifting political milieu.
Similarly, actress Jamie Lee Curtis deleted her account, posting about the action on Instagram without elaboration on her reasons but creating speculation around the culture of the platform under Musk's influence.
While The Guardian ceases posting from its official accounts, it clarified users can still share its articles. Reporters from The Guardian can continue using X as a tool for gathering news and interacting with sources, maintaining some operational overlap with the platform even without formal engagement.
The Guardian articulated their philosophy toward social media, stating they believe it can serve as an effective tool for news organizations to connect with new audiences. Nonetheless, they concluded, “at this point, X now plays a diminished role in promoting our work.”
This recent trend of media entities distancing themselves from X isn’t new. National Public Radio (NPR) made headlines last year when they stopped posting after their accounts were labeled "state-affiliated media"—an expression often used to describe government-controlled outlets. PBS soon followed suit, echoing concerns about the platform’s political affiliations.
The Guardian's influential voice reflects broader apprehensions about social media's role within journalism, particularly as it becomes increasingly tied to political machinations. The fallout from their departure also highlights the extent to which the media environment has transformed under Musk’s leadership, pushing many to reconsider their affiliations with the platform entirely.
The current dynamics at X are alarming with estimates about user engagement showing significant changes since Musk’s acquisition. Research firm Sensor Tower noted concerning statistics, including approximately 115,000 deactivations occurring the day after the election.
Interestingly, as many notable accounts have left X, alternative platforms are gaining traction. Bluesky, for example, saw about 1 million new users join since November 4 alone, influenced possibly by the current political climate and growing dissatisfaction with X. Bluesky, conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, operates on principles seemingly opposed to those wielded by Musk at X.
Overall, as the media grapples with the fallout from shifts at X, The Guardian stands as part of the growing chorus questioning the integrity and purpose of maintaining a presence on what they now deem a toxic platform. Their exit, along with those of other high-profile personalities and organizations, signifies a significant moment within the discourse surrounding media, social platforms, and their intertwined destinies.
