Elon's about to get a $44 billion education into what users love about Twitter. His ability to grasp that and make good policy will determine whether the bird app thrives or collapses.
I have mixed feelings about Twitter as it currently exists. It was invaluable at the height of the pandemic, when only conflicting or nonsensical information was available. I've followed historians and scholars of fascism, who validated my sense of foreboding about our collective descent into authoritarianism. I've interacted with brilliant climate researchers who provided a bleak window into our future. These are vital connections to prepare us for a troubling new reality.
That said, Twitter was the #1 tool that enabled Trumpism to metastasize. It would have occurred without Twitter, but the depth and breadth of corrosion would not have occurred. The other factor that concerned me was the passivity of users...people confused activity on Twitter with changing the real world. It's not a substitute for grassroots activism.
As to changes to come, for now, Musk has stated that a 'content moderation committee' would be formed. This is likely an attempt to assuage advertiser's fears vs a serious effort to address a complex issue. Musk's true talent is PR. His results always are miles behind his promises, but people forget because he flashes a new shiny object.
My best guess is we're watching a slow-motion disaster. If Musk actually moderates, the abusers will be dog him relentlessly. If he relents, many of the current users will leave. If he imposes a monthly charge, 90% will leave. If he tries to create a 'community' of abusers, advertisers will leave. It seems to me to be a lose-lose situation.
Thank you for the thoughtful essay.
I have mixed feelings about Twitter as it currently exists. It was invaluable at the height of the pandemic, when only conflicting or nonsensical information was available. I've followed historians and scholars of fascism, who validated my sense of foreboding about our collective descent into authoritarianism. I've interacted with brilliant climate researchers who provided a bleak window into our future. These are vital connections to prepare us for a troubling new reality.
That said, Twitter was the #1 tool that enabled Trumpism to metastasize. It would have occurred without Twitter, but the depth and breadth of corrosion would not have occurred. The other factor that concerned me was the passivity of users...people confused activity on Twitter with changing the real world. It's not a substitute for grassroots activism.
As to changes to come, for now, Musk has stated that a 'content moderation committee' would be formed. This is likely an attempt to assuage advertiser's fears vs a serious effort to address a complex issue. Musk's true talent is PR. His results always are miles behind his promises, but people forget because he flashes a new shiny object.
My best guess is we're watching a slow-motion disaster. If Musk actually moderates, the abusers will be dog him relentlessly. If he relents, many of the current users will leave. If he imposes a monthly charge, 90% will leave. If he tries to create a 'community' of abusers, advertisers will leave. It seems to me to be a lose-lose situation.