Anyone who doesn’t like the new America and its manners can turn away. At least that’s what Whoopi Goldberg thought when she left the microblogging service X (formerly Twitter) on November 7th. She was followed by other actresses such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Jenna Ortega. And pop stars like Elton John and Jack White. And Taylor Swift. And their Swifties. And FC Sankt Pauli. And in the middle of last week Guardian.
And finally, the writer Stephen King, who found the atmosphere on the platform too “toxic” and “dark,” as he wrote last week on X and its rival service Threads (run by the Meta company).
When Elon Musk claimed that Trump’s rival Kamala Harris planned to “abolish the Constitution,” King wrote: “That’s ridiculous. As usual.”
Something too toxic and dark for Stephen King? The man who has been at the forefront of horror literature since the 1970s with profound works like “Shining” and “It”? The author of titles like “Manhunt” and “Bloody News”? What does that say about the X-Boss Elon Musk, who soon wants to focus on agency efficiency in a US agency he is creating? For some of King’s fans who switched to Threads with him, one thing is clear: “It must be really, really bad.”
For a long time, King had been more annoyed about X than the atmosphere there: When Musk took over the microblogging service Twitter in 2022, he renamed it X
and wanted to charge money for verified accounts marked with a blue checkmark, which elicited a public response from the best-selling author fuck that.
»Trump’s First Lady«
He threatened that he would leave X if the payment system came. It came, but he stayed. The critic of US President-elect Donald Trump teased Musk during this year’s presidential election campaign. When he claimed that Trump’s rival Kamala Harris planned to “abolish the Constitution,” King wrote: “That’s ridiculous. As usual.”
He didn’t want to call Musk “Trump’s First Lady,” as rumors claimed – “but only because I didn’t think of it,” King wrote on “And yet here I am,” King posted to his seven million followers on X. And he stayed, but only for a day.
**What is the potential impact on online discourse of users proactively seeking out platforms that prioritize community wellbeing and factual information over sensationalism and profit?**
## Interview: “X Marks the Spot: When Horror Itself Becomes Too Much”
**Host:** Welcome to today’s discussion on the exodus from X, formerly Twitter. Joining us are Ms. Sarah Jones, a social media expert, and Dr. Michael Thompson, a media psychologist.
**(Introductory Music)**
**Host:** The exodus from X has been making headlines, with high-profile figures like Stephen King, Whoopi Goldberg, and even the *Guardian* newspaper making the leap. The shift seems to be driven by concerns over the platform’s direction under Elon Musk’s leadership. Let’s start by understanding this phenomenon. What factors, Ms. Jones, do you think are contributing to this wave of departures from X?
**Sarah Jones:** This isn’t simply about a few disgruntled celebrities leaving. We’re seeing a significant shift in the user base, driven by a confluence of factors. Musk’s changes to verification, the perceived increase in extremist content, and the overall tone of discourse on the platform have alienated many users. This has created a sense of toxicity that some, even those accustomed to darker themes, find unbearable.
**Host:** Dr. Thompson, you specialize in the psychological impact of media consumption. How do you view this situation? Is this simply a case of users feeling uncomfortable, or are there more profound implications?
**Dr. Michael Thompson:** This goes beyond mere discomfort. When someone like Stephen King, whose work delves into the darkest corners of human psyche, finds a platform too “toxic” and “dark,” it speaks volumes. It suggests a fundamental shift in the atmosphere, one that can have real psychological consequences for users. Constant exposure to negativity, misinformation, and hostility can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a sense of pervasive cynicism. It’s crucial to remember that social media platforms are not just digital spaces; they are extensions of our social reality and can profoundly impact our well-being.
**(Transition Music)**
**Host:** Let’s delve into the specific concerns raised around Elon Musk’s leadership. Ms. Jones, how have Musk’s actions and statements contributed to this exodus?
**Sarah Jones:** Musk’s leadership has been marked by abrupt changes, inconsistent policies, and highly publicized clashes with users. From the paid verification system to his amplification of divisive rhetoric, his actions have alienated many users who saw Twitter as a platform for open dialog and diverse viewpoints. The perception that he is prioritizing profits and personal agenda over the well-being of the community has eroded trust and contributed to the exodus.
**Dr. Thompson:** Musk’s communication style, often characterized by impulsivity and aggression, also plays a role. When a figure like Musk, with such a large following, engages in inflammatory rhetoric, it normalizes that behavior and creates a domino effect, emboldening others to do the same.
**(Transition Music)**
**Host:** This leads us to the question of alternatives. Where are these departing users going?
**Sarah Jones:** Platforms like Threads and Mastodon are attracting users seeking a more curated and civil online experience. Users are no longer passive consumers but are actively seeking platforms that align with their values and priorities.
**Host:** And looking ahead, what are the long-term implications of this exodus? Dr. Thompson, how do you see this impacting the future of online discourse?
**Dr. Thompson:** This is a pivotal moment. It signals a yearning for more responsible and ethical online spaces. It’s a plea for platforms that prioritize community well-being over profit and prioritize verified information over sensationalism.
The exodus from X could be a catalyst for a larger conversation about the role of social media in our lives and the type of online future we want to create.
**(Outro Music)**
