Elon Musk's Social Media Revolution: Reinventing Free Speech on X

Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has used the platform to amplify his political views, particularly aligning with right-wing figures. His actions have sparked both support and controversy, especially concerning free speech and misinformation. Musk’s engagement contrasts with other social media leaders like Mark Zuckerberg.

Elon Musk, the influential owner of X, has been using the social media platform to broadcast his political opinions, increasingly aligning with right-wing figures. This move has few modern parallels, much like Musk himself.

In 2022, when Musk aimed to acquire Twitter, he stated his mission was to revive it as a "platform for free speech." Protecting free speech, not profit, was his declared motivation. He argued that having a trusted public platform was essential for the future of civilization.

Two years later, X has become a hub for the free speech Musk champions. In the U.S., Musk has shared memes and misinformation on topics like illegal immigration and election fraud. He endorsed Donald Trump's presidential bid and co-hosted the campaign announcement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Internationally, Musk has clashed with officials over misinformation laws and has accused a South African party of promoting genocide.

While other social media platforms retreat from politics, Musk's actions on X highlight his desire to create a "digital town square." However, critics argue that his political influence may marginalize opposing views, potentially turning away users. Contrastingly, Zuckerberg's Meta avoids political endorsements and refines its public image. Despite the controversy, Musk's antics keep users engaged, driven by fascination with his persona.

(With inputs from agencies.)