X (Formerly Twitter): A Deep Dive into the Platform’s Evolution, Features, and Controversies Under Elon Musk
Last Updated: November 2, 2023
X, formerly known as Twitter, remains a meaningful force in the social media landscape, but its trajectory has dramatically shifted since Elon Musk’s acquisition in late 2022.This article provides a comprehensive overview of the platform’s current features, the changes implemented under Musk’s leadership, and the controversies that have arisen, offering a balanced and informed outlook for users, marketers, and anyone interested in the future of social media. We’ll explore the platform’s evolution,dissect its new features,and critically examine the challenges it faces.
Understanding User Intent: This article aims to address a broad range of user queries, including: “What is X?”, “What has changed on Twitter under Elon Musk?”, “What are the new features on X?”, “Is X safe?”, and “What is the future of X?”. It’s designed to be a definitive resource for understanding the platform’s current state.
From Twitter to X: A Rebranding and a new Vision
In July 2023, Twitter officially rebranded as X, signaling a broader ambition to evolve beyond a simple microblogging platform. Musk envisions X as an “everything app,” incorporating features beyond short-form text updates,including payments,commerce,and potentially more.This ambitious vision,however,has been met with both excitement and skepticism. The rebranding itself was abrupt and controversial, with many questioning the value of abandoning the globally recognized Twitter brand.
Key Features of X: What You Need to Know
X retains many of the core functionalities that made Twitter popular, but significant changes and additions have been implemented. Here’s a detailed look:
Posts (Formerly Tweets): The essential unit of communication remains the short-form post, though character limits have been expanded for X Premium subscribers.
X Premium (Formerly Twitter Blue): This subscription service, a cornerstone of Musk’s strategy, offers a range of benefits, including:
Blue Checkmark: No longer a marker of verification based on notability, the blue checkmark now signifies a paid subscription. This has led to confusion and concerns about authenticity.
Increased Character Limits: Subscribers can post longer-form content.
Edit Button: A long-requested feature, allowing users to edit their posts within a limited timeframe.
Prioritized Ranking in Conversations: Subscribers’ posts are given higher visibility in replies and search.
Ad Revenue Sharing: Eligible subscribers can earn a share of the revenue generated from ads displayed in their replies.
Community Notes (Formerly Birdwatch): This crowdsourced fact-checking system allows users to add context to potentially misleading posts. While a valuable tool, its effectiveness relies on community participation and can be subject to bias.
Account Identification and Verification: X now employs a tiered verification system:
Gold Checkmarks: Reserved for verified organizations, specifically official businesses.
Gray Checkmarks: Assigned to governmental and multilateral organizations.
Organizations Verification: this service, part of the Verified Organizations program, includes features like affiliate badges and dedicated support.
Encrypted Direct Messages: X Premium subscribers can now send end-to-end encrypted direct messages to other verified users, enhancing privacy and security. This utilizes cryptographic mechanisms to scramble information, ensuring only the sender and recipient can read the content.
Voice and Video Calling: X has integrated voice and video calling functionality for iOS and Android users. All accounts can initiate and receive calls, with customizable Direct Message settings to control call permissions. Long-Form video: X is increasingly focusing on long-form video content, positioning itself as a competitor to platforms like YouTube.
The Musk Era: A Torrent of Controversy
Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter has been marked by a series of controversial decisions that have fundamentally altered the platform’s dynamics.
Content Moderation Rollbacks: The dismantling of Twitter’s content moderation teams and the reinstatement of previously banned accounts, including those associated with hate speech and misinformation, have sparked widespread criticism. This has led to a noticeable increase in problematic content on the platform.
* Misinformation and Disinformation: Concerns about the spread of false information, particularly related to politics, elections, and global events, have intensified. The reduced content moderation efforts have exacerbated this issue. (Learn more about identifying disinformation on social media: [https://www.techtarget.com/what
