Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter/X has led to significant shifts in the platform's moderation policies and user dynamics. This should prompt CIOs and IT leaders to reassess their social engagement strategies. Given the rise in misinformation and the departure of various industry voices, it's imperative to determine if alternative platforms may better align with organizational values and objectives.
Why You Should Care
Escalation of misinformation and hate speech: Post-acquisition, Twitter/X has experienced a notable increase in hate speech and misinformation. Research indicates that hate speech rose dramatically following Musk's takeover, with the prevalence of various types of bots increasing, while the prevalence of astroturf bots decreased.
This environment can tarnish a company's reputation and compromise the integrity of its communications.Industry departures and user engagement decline: Since Musk's takeover, several prominent figures and organizations have left the platform, citing concerns over its direction and content moderation policies. Notable departures include stores like Best Buy and Target, the fashion brand Balenciaga, and the media outlet The Guardian. This exodus reflects a broader trend of declining user engagement and trust, which can diminish the platform's value for professional networking and information sharing.
What You Should Do Next
Evaluate your organization's current engagement on Twitter/X to determine if it continues to align with your corporate values and communication goals. Consider transitioning to alternative platforms such as LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Threads, which may offer more stable environments and align better with your organization's objectives.
Get Started
- Conduct a social media audit. Assess your organization's current social media presence, focusing on engagement metrics and alignment with corporate values.
- Explore alternative platforms. Investigate platforms like LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Threads to determine their suitability for your organization's communication and networking needs.
- Develop a transition plan. If moving away from Twitter/X, create a comprehensive plan to migrate your audience and content to the new platform, ensuring minimal disruption.
- Engage with your audience. Communicate transparently with your audience about the transition, highlighting the benefits and encouraging them to connect with you on the new platform.