Musk has been running Twitter for less than a week. (Photo: The Canadian Press)
Toronto – Now that Elon Musk has taken control of Twitter, professionals are considering leaving the social network. However, many argue that leaving the platform would produce exactly what misinformation spreaders are looking for: silence.
“Many colleagues have already told me that they are wondering, ‘How can I react to this acquisition?'” Said Professor Timothy Caulfield, holder of the Canada Research Chair in Law and Health at the University of Alberta.
“I think the answer, at least for the foreseeable future, is not to leave because we need to have these scientific voices on the platform and if we leave it it just becomes a huge echo chamber for disinformation and that can be incredibly damaging.”
Caulfield, who has gained more than 83,000 Twitter followers for exposing the pseudoscience of people like actress Gwenyth Paltrow, is one of many professionals facing what he called “a weird, weird, very weird” after Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX leader known for his brash business decisions – bought the platform last week.
Journalists, public health officials, academics and politicians have long relied on the platform to network, connect with the public and disseminate reliable information. Governments, law enforcement, school boards, and even transportation departments also rely on Twitter to keep the public safe and informed.
“I think there are some professions where it has become essential to be on Twitter,” said Heidi Tworek, holder of the Canada Research Chair and professor at the University of British Columbia.
Mr. Caulfield nodded.
“I feel like following social media is part of my college career,” she testified.
“Our mandate is to fight disinformation, so we can’t really let go of these platforms,” he added.
However, in the days following Mr. Musk’s purchase, several users like Mr. Caulfield have seen the amount of hate and misinformation on Twitter increase.
“For many people, the question is when does this become a risk at work rather than an advantage at work?” asked Mrs. Tworek.
Elon Musk reflected on the defeat of spambots and the offer of open source algorithms to increase trust, but he also spoke about the defense of freedom of expression. Many believe it could allow controversial figures to return to Twitter and cut down on moderation efforts.
In anticipation, some have fled the platform or started promoting accounts on other platforms.
After Mr. Musk took over Twitter, the Peterborough, Ontario health officer posted a link to his Instagram account in case he was banned from Twitter for not letting the pandemic misinformation circulate. Dr. Thomas Piggott declined to comment on his post.
Some professionals are even more careful about the language they use on Twitter, because they don’t want to attract bots or spark hatred.
“And that’s really a shame, because those who spread hatred and those who spread disinformation don’t hold back and don’t hesitate,” Caulfield said.
“So when you [faites attention à vos paroles par peur]it is a victory for the sowers of hatred, ”he warned.
Some suggest the hatred could be amplified even more after Mr. Musk revealed that he intends to remove blue certification badges from Twitter for users who don’t pay for Twitter Blue, the subscription offer. Twitter currently charges $ 6.49 per month for Blue, but certification is free and provided to journalists, celebrities, and other public figures who meet the company’s criteria.
“Twitter’s current system of gentlemen and farmers for those with and without a blue badge is bullshit. Power to the people! Blue for $ 8 a month, ”Musk tweeted Tuesday.
Depending on how Mr. Musk adjusts the certification and how many certified users are willing to pay to keep their badge, Ms. Tworek fears that people will use the new policies to sow discord or spread disinformation.
“Could a user pay to impersonate someone else? she wondered. How do scammers stop, who are the kind of people who would actually pay for it?
The certification project could force large organizations like governments to pay for Twitter Blue or cover their staff costs to avoid being seen as illegitimate.
Not doing so could have significant consequences, as a trademark could be tarnished by others impersonating it on verified accounts, said Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Intellectual Property Law. Internet and Electronic Commerce at the University of Ottawa.
Entering a caucus meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will “continue to evaluate” how it communicates with Canadians in light of the Musk acquisition.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, who uses social media frequently, added that it was too early to decide on an approach.
“Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about a lot,” he said. I think we will see what changes come and what this new administration means for social media. “
– With information from Mia Rabson in Ottawa.
