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Original poster

To think that if everyone who thinks Elon Musk is a menace boycotted X he would have less power

81 replies

Sunshineandoranges · 11/03/2025 10:21

I think I am stating the obvious but someone will soon be explaining why my simple logic is flawed.

OP posts:
HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 20:48

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 19:47

so much for democracy

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I don't consider banning a social media platform to be undemocratic or a meaningful limitation of freedom of expression, particularly given the wide availability of social media platforms that are not controlled by a hostile foreign actor.

Given that X seems to now primarily exist as a means of undermining democracies with misinformation campaigns, I think it'd be far better for democracy to get rid of it.

BurntBroccoli · 11/03/2025 20:10

seriouslyfunny · 11/03/2025 14:52

I don't have an X account and yes I agree with you but it isn't that easy for everyone to leave. Until something like bluesky expands into a much bigger platform, a lot of people won't leave their following behind to start afresh. Many non Elon fans, companies and public bodies are still on there as there is a viable alternative yet.

Yes it's really difficult if you have a large following but I'm finding people are definitely filtering over to BlueSky. Engagement is fantastic on there at the moment and it's pleasant to use.

BurntBroccoli · 11/03/2025 20:06

Stopped using it a few months ago but held onto it in case I need to contact companies as a consumer.

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 19:47

HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 18:16

There are already banned news media outlets in the UK (Russian ones) and I don't remember anyone raising concerns with those being banned.

I don't view X any differently in terms of it being a hostile-to-the-UK propaganda machine (save for that, as it isn't even really a news outlet, I'd have even less concern about banning X).

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so much for democracy

Xraytime · 11/03/2025 18:22

I left X and it was hard as it has the most up to date news but it was making me depressed.

SerendipityJane · 11/03/2025 18:21

Twitter doesn't need banning. However it does need to be held accountable.

abricotine · 11/03/2025 18:19

Tesla will hit much harder.

JHound · 11/03/2025 18:18

I don’t understand when I see people who strongly object to Phoney Stark still using Twitter.

I made this observation to somebody I know who uses it and they responded “I was there first” which seems so childish.

HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 18:16

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 18:09

but then the porplem is the govt becomes a dictator byproxy due to banning other forms of media platforms other than the offical state meda which many would argue would then just be propaganda so in a way you cannot have true free media when at the same time banning certain media platforms

There are already banned news media outlets in the UK (Russian ones) and I don't remember anyone raising concerns with those being banned.

I don't view X any differently in terms of it being a hostile-to-the-UK propaganda machine (save for that, as it isn't even really a news outlet, I'd have even less concern about banning X).

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 18:09

but then the porplem is the govt becomes a dictator byproxy due to banning other forms of media platforms other than the offical state meda which many would argue would then just be propaganda so in a way you cannot have true free media when at the same time banning certain media platforms

HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 18:04

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 18:00

instead of just banning different medias. why dont we teach the public better critical thinking and research skills ? after all the public can study their fav football teams in great deal and watch hours of football games or their fav reality tv programs etc so then they can study politics and there would need no bans

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I would love it if the public could be taught better critical thinking skills but that isn't going to happen and, even if it did, it would take decades to come to fruition.

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 18:00

HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 17:20

I'm also for media reform.

But I don't see it as an argument against banning X.

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instead of just banning different medias. why dont we teach the public better critical thinking and research skills ? after all the public can study their fav football teams in great deal and watch hours of football games or their fav reality tv programs etc so then they can study politics and there would need no bans

Odras · 11/03/2025 17:54

I never go on anymore, it’s a cesspit of hate and I just can’t face it.

Many organisations have left. I don’t think it makes any difference to be honest, it’s just a way for his base of hate to connect now.

SerendipityJane · 11/03/2025 17:53

When I worked in strategy, I created a dummy Twitter account as it was on our tech radar.

That account is still active and getting updates about interesting accounts to follow. It's almost as old as my test LinkedIn account. Which is also active (and appears to have had a better career than me).

jeaux90 · 11/03/2025 17:51

I find it fascinating actually. I mean tiktok is way more damaging. I'd love to see that banned.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 11/03/2025 17:46

Got rid of it when he bought Twitter and announced that he planned to reinstate a bunch of people who'd been banned for all sorts of unpleasant behaviour including Trump

Blows my mind that Westminster MP's and govt bodies still use it to be honest especially now.

Fatloss · 11/03/2025 17:28

I came off it. I only used it to follow along comments for things like bake off or the apprentice. Miss it for that as just more people than the MN threads. I have found other places the same but certainly not going back

HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 17:20

AsdaCafeWriter · 11/03/2025 17:12

71% of the UK’s 1,189 local newspapers are owned by just six companies

https://www.mediareform.org.uk/key-issues/media-ownership-and-control

I'm also for media reform.

But I don't see it as an argument against banning X.

MaryGreenhill · 11/03/2025 17:20

No he would still have the same control because he has enough money to buy it

Jabtastic · 11/03/2025 17:15

HangryLilacGoose · 11/03/2025 16:19

Have just seen (government official) Musk calling Sen. Mark Kelly (a former Navy Pilot) a "traitor" (because he said the US should continue to support Ukraine).

He's absolutely deranged, and very very dangerous.

Yes this really shocked me too but might be the kind of thing that finally wakes people up.

America has sunk so low under this government and they are barely in the door.

StillLifeWithEggs · 11/03/2025 17:13

I don’t use it, and everyone I know has come off it.

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 11/03/2025 17:13

H34th · 11/03/2025 10:37

Many people left. However, I think too many people are still indifferent, not sure what to think, or just hanging around not to miss anything.
If businesses left all at once it would be very noticeable. I think they are just waiting for a better alternative.

Meanwhile Tesla’s stock has declined every week for seven straight weeks.
The company is the worst performer on the S&P 500 so far this year, cratering 45% since Jan 1.

Oh this is a good post. I love clear data!

LoveDandelions · 11/03/2025 17:12

I'm on X for various (non right-wing narcissist bigot) reasons. So are many others.

Calling people names doesn't really help anything. And I don't think Elon Musk's wealth will be massively affected by it.