They Criticized Musk on X. Then Their Reach Collapsed
a year ago
- #Social Media
- #Elon Musk
- #Free Speech
- Elon Musk purchased X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, promising a free speech haven but critics feared he would suppress voices he disliked.
- Three users who feuded with Musk saw their reach on X collapse overnight, raising concerns about suppression of critics.
- Musk suggested actions like blocking/muting users or removing them from X Premium could limit their reach, though X denies suppressing views based on opinions.
- Far-right influencer Laura Loomer lost reach and X Premium access after criticizing Musk, impacting her earnings (~$50,000 loss).
- Another user, Owen Shroyer, experienced reduced reach and lost X Premium access after mocking visa programs supported by Musk.
- Musk has faced accusations of suppressing critics before, including journalists suspended in 2022 (later reinstated).
- X lacks transparency in moderation, and Musk has disabled tools for researchers to monitor platform changes.
- Musk claims no shadowbanning exists but believes in 'freedom of speech, not freedom of reach,' making hateful content harder to find.