Musk’s X Challenged After Limiting Posts’ Visibility with External Links
Elon Musk, CEO of X, confirmed on November 25, that the platform deprioritizes posts with external links to boost on-platform engagement, intensifying criticism amid fake news on X, further damaging Musk’s reputation.
Tech investor, Paul Graham, criticized Musk’s policy because it makes it harder for users to access important information and detecting fake news on X.
In response to Graham’s tweet, Musk suggested users write a description in the main post and place the link in a reply, calling it a way to “stop lazy linking”. When Graham questioned why sharing a link in the main post was “lazy,” Musk offered no further comment.
However, Musk had previously said that the algorithm on X is designed to maximize the time users spend on the platform.
“Links don’t get as much attention because there is less time spent if people click away,” Musk said in October 2023.
The policy reflects Musk’s broader vision for X to build a new “creator economy” where users post original content directly on the platform rather than linking to external sites.
Fake News and Misinformation on X Journalists’ Claims
Musk’s approach led to intensive criticism from journalists and media specialists. Several journalists criticized the micro-blogging platform for embracing far-right ideologies and failing to handle the spread of misinformation and fake news on X.
All this accumulated together, led organizations reliant on X for share breaking news, to lose trust in the platform.
Earlier this month, The Guardian announced it would stop posting on X, calling the platform “toxic” and accusing Musk of shaping political discourse and spreading fake news on X.
Musk Against Traditional Media
Musk took a different stance on traditional media outlets, often expressing dissatisfaction with outlets reporting on controversies involving his companies.
Since acquiring Twitter, Musk’s relationship with the media has worsened, with accusations of magnifying far-right voices and failing to implement concrete fake news detection on X.
At the end of the day, X CEO Musk’s decision to prioritize content directly on X over external links marks a significant shift in how the platform works.
While Musk’s strange policies have the power to reshape the platform in a new way, they risk isolating journalists and media outlets, limiting X’s role as a trusted source for breaking news. The power lies in how X balancing these priorities and moving forward will determine its position in the media landscape.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.