Elon Musk's 'social experiment on humanity': How X evolved in 2024

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has made headlines for his acquisition of Twitter, which he has since rebranded as X. Since taking control of the platform two years ago, Musk has positioned X as a champion of free speech. However, as we move through 2024, the platform has transformed from a space for open dialogue into a more contentious environment where polarizing views dominate the conversation. This shift has raised questions about the nature of discourse on X, particularly as certain accounts that spread misleading information have gained significant traction. While X may not boast the same user numbers as other social media giants, its influence on political discussions is undeniable. High-profile politicians, government officials, and law enforcement agencies utilize X to communicate their messages, and Musk's recent alignment with Donald Trump could have profound implications for how social media executives engage with the incoming administration. The question remains: what has driven this evolution? Is it a change in the user demographic, or are the alterations a result of strategic decisions made by those in charge? One notable account that has emerged on X is Inevitable West, which has quickly gained popularity since its inception just two months ago. The account, which claims to defend Western values and culture, has attracted over 131,600 followers and garners approximately 30 million views daily across its posts. Musk himself has interacted with Inevitable West, responding to some of its content. The account's posts often feature sensationalized headlines and misleading information, including a fabricated video of Trump making inflammatory statements about the UK. The creator of Inevitable West, who remains anonymous, identifies as a member of Generation Z and asserts that their goal is to amplify the voices of those who feel marginalized. They argue that the dissemination of uncensored information will lead to a political shift towards the right, citing Trump's election and the rise of far-right movements in Europe as evidence of this trend. When Musk first took over Twitter, he emphasized the importance of allowing diverse political opinions and combating censorship. Since then, the platform has undergone significant changes, including layoffs and modifications to content moderation policies. Users now experience a dual-feed system, with one section displaying posts from accounts they follow and another curated by an algorithm. In 2024, further changes have been implemented, such as alterations to the blocking feature, which now allows blocked users to view the posts of those who have blocked them. Additionally, the visibility of likes has been made private, and users can now pay for a blue checkmark to verify their accounts. This shift has created opportunities for users to monetize their content based on engagement metrics, with some individuals reportedly earning substantial incomes from their posts. The changes to X's algorithm and content recommendations have sparked debate among users. Some have observed a noticeable increase in divisive content within their feeds, leading to speculation about whether the algorithm has been adjusted to favor certain types of posts. A former analyst from TikTok has suggested that the current state of X is not solely a result of algorithmic changes but also reflects a broader lack of safety measures in the name of free speech. This environment has allowed misleading and controversial content to flourish, prompting some users to liken their experience on the platform to being part of a social experiment. The recent tragic attack in Germany, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has further highlighted the potential dangers of unchecked discourse on X. Discussions surrounding the incident have been rife with extreme opinions, with some users calling for aggressive actions against specific groups. Inevitable West has faced criticism for its inflammatory posts, which some argue could incite violence. The account's creator maintains that their intent is to promote safety, illustrating the complex dynamics at play within the platform. As users seek alternatives to X, platforms like Bluesky, founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, have gained traction. However, it remains unclear how many users have migrated away from X or whether the platform continues to grow. Musk and X have not addressed these concerns directly, but the company has reiterated its commitment to protecting user voices and enforcing guidelines against hate speech. As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, X has solidified its role as a key player in political discourse. Musk's endorsement of Trump and his potential government position could reshape the relationship between social media platforms and political leaders. The future of social media and its impact on politics remains uncertain, but it is evident that platforms like X are playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the political landscape.