Elon Musk’s tenure as the owner of X (formerly Twitter) has been anything but smooth, marked by sweeping changes, controversies, and declining user trust. The 2024 US presidential election, which saw Donald Trump return to the White House with Musk’s endorsement, has added another chapter to the platform’s tumultuous story. While Musk celebrates his anticipated role in Trump’s administration, his social media platform faces a growing crisis: a record-breaking exodus of users.
The Largest Wave of Departures Since Musk’s Acquisition
On November 7, 2024, the day after Election Day, X experienced its most significant drop in user accounts since Musk purchased the platform two years ago. Over 115,000 users in the United States deactivated their accounts, according to data from web analytics company Similarweb. The figure is based on tracking visits to the account deactivation confirmation page on x.com, as confirmed by a blog post published on November 12.
This mass departure signals a deepening divide between Musk’s vision for the platform and its user base. The timing immediately following the election results suggests that the political dynamics surrounding Musk and his controversial endorsements played a significant role in users’ decisions to leave.
Political Fallout and Musk’s Role in the 2024 Elections
Elon Musk has never shied away from using his platform to engage with political discourse, often positioning himself as a free-speech advocate. His endorsement of Donald Trump, however, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. While it aligns with Musk’s libertarian leanings, it alienated a sizable portion of X’s user base, particularly progressive voices, journalists, and public figures who oppose Trump’s policies.
The connection between Trump and X is also symbolic. The former president’s reinstatement on X in 2023 was one of Musk’s first major decisions after taking over the platform, a move that reignited debates about the role of social media in enabling polarizing figures. Musk’s growing political entanglements, coupled with his often combative online persona, appear to have amplified dissatisfaction among users who once viewed the platform as an open space for diverse voices.
A Culture Clash: X’s Transformation and User Dissatisfaction
Since Musk’s acquisition, X has undergone sweeping changes. The platform introduced a controversial subscription model, reduced content moderation, and overhauled its algorithm to prioritize paid content. While Musk has argued that these moves democratize the platform and foster free speech, many users feel that they erode the quality of discourse and incentivize misinformation.
In the months leading up to the election, high-profile figures from the arts, media, and entertainment industries publicly announced their departures. The day after the election results, this trickle became a flood, as users from across the spectrum deactivated their accounts. The hashtag #LeavingX trended on competing platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon, underscoring the dissatisfaction.
Competing Platforms Gain Ground
As X falters, alternative platforms are reaping the benefits. Bluesky, the decentralized social media network launched by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, reported a surge in sign-ups after the election. Mastodon, known for its strong content moderation policies, also saw an uptick in activity.
These platforms offer features that many X users miss ad-free timelines, chronological feeds, and a sense of community free from the vitriol that has come to define Musk’s version of X. For many, the choice to leave X is not just about rejecting Musk’s policies but also about seeking refuge in spaces that prioritize healthier online interactions.
What Lies Ahead for X?
Elon Musk’s leadership style and ideological commitments have undoubtedly shaped X into a unique entity in the social media landscape. Yet, the growing dissatisfaction among its users raises critical questions about its future. Can X retain its relevance in the face of mounting competition and a fractured user base? Or will Musk’s vision, while politically aligned with certain factions, continue to alienate the broader audience?
As Musk celebrates his growing influence in American politics, the challenges facing X suggest that his social media experiment may be losing steam. The “Great X-odus” reflects more than just political discontent; it’s a warning sign that even tech billionaires must adapt to the evolving demands of their user base or risk irrelevance.
