Elon Musk, the owner and most followed user of the social media platform X, has been increasingly utilizing the platform to express his political views. Musk’s actions have drawn attention due to his alignment with right-wing figures. Back in 2022, Musk expressed his motivation for trying to purchase X, citing the platform’s potential as a “platform for free speech” that he believed needed to be protected for the future of civilization. Musk frequently discusses the future of civilization and has highlighted threats such as a potential “population collapse” and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Recently, Musk has used X to spread memes, share information on topics like illegal immigration and election fraud, and endorse political figures like former President Donald Trump. Musk’s involvement in the political realm was evident when he co-hosted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential bid announcement and faced technical difficulties during the event. Musk extended an invitation to other presidential candidates, with Trump accepting and participating in an interview with Musk despite initial technical glitches.
Internationally, Musk has engaged in disputes with top officials in countries like Australia, Brazil, the EU, and the U.K. regarding the balance between free speech and combating harmful information dissemination. Musk accused a political party in South Africa of advocating for the genocide of white individuals. Analysts have noted that Musk’s influence on social media, particularly on X, could potentially lead to the suppression of opposing viewpoints and polarization on the platform.
This political shift by Musk on X occurs as other social media platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram are moving away from political content. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has notably avoided endorsing political candidates and announced measures to limit the promotion of political content to users. Contrasting with Musk, Zuckerberg has also undergone a transformation in his public image, displaying a more stylish and confident persona.
Musk’s recent controversies on X include posts that were criticized for potentially inciting violent unrest in the UK, leading to calls for him to act more responsibly. The platform has also faced restrictions in countries like Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro blocked access to X in an attempt to suppress dissent. Musk’s unique approach to social media sets him apart from other tech leaders and although it may alienate some users, it also attracts attention and engagement to his platform.
Despite criticism, X has shown resilience amid controversies, partly due to the continued fascination with conspiracy theories and Elon Musk himself. The dynamics surrounding Musk’s use of X continue to evolve, prompting discussions about the implications of his actions on free speech and political discourse on the platform.