Why We Have Decided to Finally Leave X
Nov 13, 2024 7:39:55 AM
In the wake of the United States Presidential Election and seeing the role that X owner and operator Elon Musk played in its proceedings, we have made the decision to leave the platform. Musk’s continued hate speech, dog-whistling, and political interference do not align with the strong morals and values we hold dear at Catnip Comms.
X was bought by billionaire Elon Musk in October of 2022 and over the course of the last two years he has laid off thousands of employees, gutted trust and safety, while ripening the platform for misuse by bad actors. Anyone who has tried to scroll through their feed over the last year will have witnessed first hand the degradation of the platform’s recommendation engine and the continued uplifting of violent, hateful, pornographic, and discriminatory content.
We encourage all nonprofits, charities, and foundations to seriously consider whether a continued time investment in a platform like X aligns with their mission and values. Especially as owner Musk aligns the platform with his political agenda, making it more akin to Truth Social or Parler than what it once was.
There is no “one for one” for Twitter. What we experienced at the height of a platform we all loved is not going to be adequately replicated in any other online platform, but that doesn’t mean that alternatives to X aren’t worth investigating and potentially investing in.
The fastest growing alternative and easiest to get started on is Threads, as it’s connected directly to Instagram which is one of the most currently prominent social media platforms. Another option is Bluesky, which is no longer invite only. Although it may feel intimidating because of its built-in fediverse integration, the starter pack guides can help organizations find their community.
As an organization with clients in the U.S., we’re aware how American elections impact the world. A new administration brings shifts in climate policy, human rights, and digital regulations - all of which can reshape the landscape for nonprofits globally.
It's essential to recognize that our shift away from X isn’t just a reaction - it’s a proactive decision rooted in our responsibility to uphold integrity and safety in digital spaces. As we focus on other platforms, we are committed to creating positive, inclusive conversations that reflect the values we advocate for. By making this choice, we’re hoping to inspire other organizations to examine how their social media presence aligns with their mission and to join us in cultivating online spaces that serve as true extensions of their work and values.
Further reading
Racism, misogyny, lies: how did X become so full of hatred? And is it ethical to keep using it?
Fool Me Thrice: ExTwitter’s Empty Brand Safety Promises
Verified pro-Nazi X accounts flourish under Elon Musk
The Elon Musk effect: How Donald Trump gained from billionaire’s support
Elon Musk Is Positioning X Behind the New Trump Presidency Since the election
