As tensions rise over social media's role in politics, the Guardian has announced its decision to cease posting on X, previously known as Twitter. The outlet's move follows concerns about the platform's alignment with far-right ideologies and its impact on political discourse, especially in light of the recent US elections.
The Guardian Exits X Amid Concerns Over Toxicity and Political Bias
The Guardian Exits X Amid Concerns Over Toxicity and Political Bias
British newspaper group the Guardian halts postings on Elon Musk's X, citing toxicity and political discourse manipulation.
The Guardian indicated that the benefits of staying active on the platform no longer outweigh the negatives. In a statement to readers, the publication expressed its dissatisfaction with X's escalating toxic content, which includes racism and conspiracy theories prevalent on the site.
Despite pulling back from posting, the Guardian will allow users to continue sharing its articles and plans to embed X posts in its ongoing coverage of global events. Furthermore, the newspaper's reporters retain access to the platform for necessary news-gathering activities.
Criticism towards the Guardian has surfaced on X, with some users alleging that the organization is promoting "woke propaganda" and engaging in "virtue signaling." The media group's history of contentious relations with Musk adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
The Guardian's exit could signal a shift in media dynamics, inviting speculation about whether other organizations might follow suit. Competing platforms like Meta's Threads and Jack Dorsey’s Bluesky have already seen an increase in their user bases, suggesting a potential trend away from X. Following the US election, the Guardian reported record fundraising efforts, attracting over $1.8 million from readers in a single day. This surge reflects a public appetite for robust journalism against the background of changing political landscapes.
As the situation unfolds, the Guardian's departure raises significant questions about the future of news media engagement on social platforms and the implications for political discourse in the digital age.
Despite pulling back from posting, the Guardian will allow users to continue sharing its articles and plans to embed X posts in its ongoing coverage of global events. Furthermore, the newspaper's reporters retain access to the platform for necessary news-gathering activities.
Criticism towards the Guardian has surfaced on X, with some users alleging that the organization is promoting "woke propaganda" and engaging in "virtue signaling." The media group's history of contentious relations with Musk adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
The Guardian's exit could signal a shift in media dynamics, inviting speculation about whether other organizations might follow suit. Competing platforms like Meta's Threads and Jack Dorsey’s Bluesky have already seen an increase in their user bases, suggesting a potential trend away from X. Following the US election, the Guardian reported record fundraising efforts, attracting over $1.8 million from readers in a single day. This surge reflects a public appetite for robust journalism against the background of changing political landscapes.
As the situation unfolds, the Guardian's departure raises significant questions about the future of news media engagement on social platforms and the implications for political discourse in the digital age.
