X Glitch Sends Platform Users into a Spiral
X encountered a glitch that caused the momentary disappearance of images and links posted on the platform between 2011 and 2014.
- Notable losses included Ellen DeGeneres’s iconic 2014 Oscar selfie.
- Links, particularly those generated using Twitter’s native URL-shortening service, were also affected.
- It has triggered questions about stability and the accessibility of cherished online memories.
On August 19th, X, formerly known as Twitter, experienced a major glitch that led to the temporary disappearance of images and links posted on the platform between 2011 and 2014.
The X glitch was first brought to public attention by an X user, Tom Coates, on Saturday afternoon. Numerous images and links that were integral to the platform’s history disappeared. As a result, users were outraged and many raised questions about the company’s stability, prompting concerns about the accessibility of historical content.
Among the most notable casualties was Ellen DeGeneres’s famous 2014 Oscar selfie. This iconic image, featuring Ellen surrounded by Hollywood royalties like Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, was, at that point in history, the most retweeted post on the platform, garnering over 2.8 million retweets and 2 million likes.
The X glitch also extended to links, particularly those created using Twitter’s native URL shortening service. While no official explanation has been provided, speculation about its cause has run rampant. Some users theorized that this issue might be related to the company’s rebranding as X and potential technical adjustments. However, no official confirmation or statement has been issued by either Elon Musk, the company’s chairman, or X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino.
The X glitch has added to a series of disruptions and changes that X has experienced since being acquired by Musk in October 2022. This acquisition led to widespread layoffs and shifts in moderation policies, which have been met with mixed reactions. The removal of the block function, a vital tool for preventing abuse on the platform, has sparked a fierce backlash from users.
As the glitch remains unresolved, it continues to raise questions about the future of historical content on X. Despite concerns over whether the images and links will be restored, this incident has highlighted the instability of the platform and prompted discussions about alternatives in the face of its evolving landscape.
The outage has left users and analysts wondering about the broader implications of such technical hiccups in an era of rapid change and innovation in the social media space. As the situation unfolds, users await further updates from X and its leadership, hoping for a swift resolution to the glitch and the restoration of the invaluable content lost in the digital abyss.
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.