Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, the
Shape, SpaceX, Tesla, X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.
I'm your host, Will Walden. Today's episode is about X,
formerly known as Twitter and Hidalgo.
The mayor of Paris has announced her decision to leave the social
media platform formerly known as Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk.
She criticized the platform for becoming a hub for
disinformation, hatred and undermining democratic
processes. Hidalgo cited the platform's
deviation from its original purpose and the negative impact
on political and social discourse.
This move comes amidst A broader exodus from the platform by
media companies and advertisers following Musk controversial
statements and policies as of late.
In a move signaling growing discontent with the social media
environment and Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris and a significant
political figure, has eclared her intention to leave the
social media platform. Her departure comes amid
increasing concerns over the platform's role in spreading
disinformation and hatred, a development she blames on its
current owner, Elon Musk. Now Mayor.
Hidalgo's decision follows a period marked by political
challenges and public scrutiny. She's been under fire for her
trip to the French South Pacific territories, an issue that has
become entangled with her city's preparations for the upcoming
2024 Summer Olympics. Her criticism of the platform,
however, extends beyond personal grievances.
She's expressed alarm over the nature of discourse on the
platform, which she believes has significantly deteriorated since
Musk took control in October of 2022.
It All Goes critique centers around the platform's
transformation into a space hostile to democratic values and
constructive debate. She accuses the platform of
being overrun with anonymous accounts and troll farms,
elements she believes are anti ethical to healthy democratic
discourse. And her departure is not an
impulsive reaction to recent criticism she faced, but a
decision that has been considered over a great amount
of time. The Mayor's announcement
reflects a broader trend of disillusionment with a platform
under Musk's leadership. Under statement, Hidalgo notes
this shift in the platform's ethos, moving from a space
fostering information exchange and healthy debate to 1 where
algorithms amplify attacks on those engaging in peaceful
political discussions. She points to a troubling report
that ranked France as the leading European country for
postings of violent and illegal content on the platform.
And this is and this disenchantment with the platform
is not limited to political figures.
Recently, a slew of major media brands and advertisers have
paused or ceased their activities on the platform.
This reaction comes in the wake of Musk's endorsement of an
anti-Semitic conspiracy theory on the platform, which has led
to significant reputational damage for Twitter or X
companies like Disney, Paramount and Warner Brothers.
Discovery had halted their posts on the platform, shifting their
focus to other social media networks.
Now the situation is exacerbated by Musk's personal contributions
to the problematic content on the platform, including his
controversial statements. And these actions have
contributed to a perception that the platform is increasingly
becoming a conduit for hate speech and misinformation.
And the exodus of major companies and the possible long
term withdrawal of advertisers poses a significant challenge to
X's financial stability and the public perception of the
platform. Now, Mayor Hidalgo's departure
and her call for more respectful and constructive social media
environments underscores the growing concern over the state
of online discourse. Her move to other platforms like
Facebook, Instagram and also Blue Sky reflects a search for
spaces where democratic values and constructive dialogue or
more readily fostered. This shift points to a potential
realignment in the social media landscape, as users and
organizations seek platforms to better align with their values
and the needs of a healthy, democratic society.
And as the social media landscape continues to evolve,
the discussions of public figures like Mayor Hidalgo and
major corporations will likely play a significant role in the
shaping of the future of online discourse.
In the role of social media in public life now, Elon Musk's
personal contributions to the platform have further fueled the
backlash. His statements and policies have
been linked to an increase in hate speech and misinformation,
raising serious concerns about the platform's direction in its
role in the public discourse And now the withdrawal of
advertisers and content providers poses a significant
threat to the financial stability of the platform.
This situation is exacerbated by the loss of confidence amongst
users and also corporate partners and advertisers, which
could lead to long term financial and reputational
damage. Now, in her announcement, Mayor
Hidalgo expressed her intention to join other social media
networks that she believes are more conducive.
The respectful exchanges and constructive dialogue in this
move aligns with her commitment to preserving democratic values
and meaningful communication. You know the Mere's decision to
explore platforms like Facebook, Blue Sky, and Instagram is
indicative of a potential shift going on.
And her departure raises important questions about the
role of social media going forward in the support of
undermining democratic processes, to be exact.
And the need for platforms that foster constructive debate and
truth seeking is becoming increasingly apparent.
Of the exodus of public figures and major companies from the
platform could signal a realignment.
Platforms that prioritize democratic values in
constructive dialogue may gain prominence, reflecting a change
in user preferences and societal needs going forward.
And the decisions of individuals like Mayor Hidalgo and large
corporations will likely influence the evolution of
online discourse. Their choices under score the
importance of social media platforms reassessing their
policies and impact on public life.
Now, Anne Hidalgo's departure from social media Platform X is
more than personal, though. It's a statement about the
current state of online discourse and the need for
platforms to support democratic values.
For her, her move, along with withdrawal of the major brands,
signals a potential turning point in social media in the
role that these platforms play in shaping public and political
discourse. Thank you so much for listening
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