Why Are You Still on Elon Musk's X? Ask Yourself This.

Ekhbary News Agency

New York — The persistent presence of users on X, formerly Twitter, prompts a critical question: why remain on a platform often described as an "open sewer"? Author Jonathan Liew suggests that the site's algorithm, designed to promote engagement through controversy, actively amplifies misinformation and divisive content. This algorithmic bias, he argues, pushes users towards more extreme viewpoints, as evidenced by a study showing a shift towards Republican policy priorities and a pro-Russia stance on Ukraine among users of the "for you" feed.

The Algorithm's Grip

X's algorithm assesses posts based on 15 metrics, prioritizing interactions like replies that spark further debate. Because users are more likely to engage with content they disagree with, inflammatory material—spanning topics from trans rights to geopolitical conflicts—is disproportionately promoted. This creates an echo chamber where falsehoods and extreme opinions can flourish, drowning out nuanced discourse.

Acess to the 'Open Sewer'

Despite deleting his account, Liew finds himself occasionally drawn back to X, each time more appalled by the "out of control" levels of fake content and the user interface's tendency to funnel users into "wormholes" of arguments and sensationalism. He notes that even fabricated quotes from football figures are gaining traction, highlighting the platform's detachment from factual reporting and its focus on sheer engagement, regardless of truth.