In recent weeks, loads of celebrities have announced their departure from X. The platform formerly known as Twitter, following Elon Musk’s controversial involvement in the 2024 presidential election. This blog explores who is leaving, where they are going, and the implications for Musk and his platform.
Celebrities Leaving X
- Jamie Lee Curtis: The Oscar-winning actress deactivated her account and shared a screenshot on Instagram. This marks her signalling discontent with the platform.
- Don Lemon: The former CNN anchor announced his exit, citing the platform’s new terms of service and a shift away from honest debate.
- Stephen King: The prolific author expressed his frustration with the toxic atmosphere on X and encouraged followers to join him on Threads.
- Gabrielle Union: She left X to engage in spaces that value inclusivity and respect, directing her audience to other platforms.
- Barbra Streisand: The legendary singer and actress declared her intention to post exclusively on Bluesky moving forward.
These departures reflect a broader sentiment among users with the platform’s direction under Musk’s leadership.
Where Are They Going?
As celebrities and users flee X, many are migrating to alternative platforms:
- Bluesky: Founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky is a direct successor to Twitter, offering a familiar interface and a focus on user control and customization. It has been having a vibrant, chaotic atmosphere reminiscent of early Twitter.
- Threads: Developed by Instagram, Threads has quickly gained popularity, boasting a larger user base than Bluesky. However, it is characterized by a more moderated environment that discourages political discourse, making it appealing to casual users and influencers.
- Mastodon: This decentralized platform allows users to join various “instances,” catering to specific interests and communities. While it offers greater control and customization, it has a steeper learning curve and is primarily used by tech-savvy individuals.
Will One of These Platforms Become the Next X?
While Bluesky and Threads are currently the frontrunners in attracting former X users. It remains which platform will ultimately dominate. Bluesky’s nostalgic feel and community-driven approach may resonate with those seeking a return to Twitter’s roots, while Threads’ massive user base and integration with Instagram could appeal to a broader audience. Mastodon, with its unique decentralized structure, may attract niche communities but is less likely to achieve mainstream success.
Did Elon Musk Make a Loss?
Elon Musk’s financial involvement with X has been scrutinized, especially following his support for Donald Trump’s campaign. Reports indicate that Musk contributed significantly to Trump’s election efforts, which has led to a backlash from many users and brands. The mass exodus of celebrities and users could potentially impact X’s advertising revenue and overall profitability.
Despite these challenges, Musk’s ventures in other areas, such as Tesla and SpaceX, continue to thrive, suggesting that while X may face difficulties, Musk’s broader business portfolio remains robust.
The departure of celebrities from X highlights a growing discontent with the platform under Elon Musk‘s leadership. As users flock to alternatives like Bluesky and Threads, the future of social media remains uncertain. Whether one of these platforms will emerge as the next dominant force in social networking is yet to determine, but the landscape is undoubtedly shifting.
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