The ongoing dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's leadership has contributed to a significant decline in the number of UK adults visiting X, formerly known as Twitter. The app saw a drop from 26.5 million users in 2022 to 22.2 million in 2023, indicating that many have left the platform, especially Left-leaning users troubled by Musk's political stance, which has diverted from Twitter's previous image, ultimately leading to a sense of disconnection among its user base.
Matt Navarra, a social media consultant, commented on the shift in user engagement, saying, 'The redesigns and the rebranding including the switch from Twitter to X have also played a role. It broke its cultural currency. Stripping that away left many users disconnected.' This highlights how fundamental changes to the platform have alienated users who were once loyal.
Ofcom's report points out that users are frustrated with Musk's political engagement, specifically noting the reinstatement of controversial figures and a relaxed stance on moderation, which critics believe has led to an increase in hate speech. The report illustrates a clear connection between Musk's policies and the declining trust and satisfaction among UK users.
The growing competition from alternative platforms like Reddit, which saw a 47% surge in UK usage, and the rise of apps such as Threads and Bluesky, further compounds the challenges faced by X. These platforms are capturing users looking for safer and more politically neutral spaces to engage online.
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