It's time to X out Twitter!

This morning, I spent just half an hour scrolling through Twitter, and what I found was more than frustrating — it was disturbing. Within minutes, I came across false news stories from Russia claiming they’d killed Americans and Canadians, saw fake profiles using old or manufactured photos, stumbled on pro-anti-vaccine content, and read misleading posts about public figures’ political histories. More than 20 viral posts later, it felt like I’d entered a world where finding the truth was harder than finding fiction. And what’s sad is that so many people are using Twitter as a first stop for news instead of verified news sources.

Twitter used to be a place to get real-time updates, hear directly from credible voices, and join conversations that felt grounded in reality. Now, it’s so skewed by misinformation that it’s almost easier to find falsehoods than the truth. Elon Musk’s recent takeover has only amplified these issues, turning Twitter into a platform where bad information spreads faster and further than ever. He might have intended to make Twitter a hub for free speech, but instead, he’s unintentionally — or perhaps unwittingly — built a misinformation machine.

The Misinformation Mess on Twitter

Let’s get one thing straight: misinformation on Twitter isn’t just a minor issue. False information circulates faster than ever, and Twitter’s structure makes it incredibly easy for bad info to go viral. It’s been found that fake news spreads up to six times faster than true news on Twitter — and this was even before Musk’s sweeping changes to content moderation. Since he came in, many of the content moderation policies and teams that were keeping misinformation somewhat in check are now either gone or seriously cut back.

To make things worse, Musk’s efforts to make Twitter a hub for free speech have, in reality, often led to loosening controls around misinformation. The result? We’re left with a platform where you can’t always trust what you see, and with less moderation than before, Twitter has become a playground for those who thrive on spreading misleading or false information.

Elon Musk’s Impact on Twitter’s Credibility

Elon Musk’s entrance into Twitter promised a fresh start, a new era of transparency and open dialogue. But things quickly took a strange turn, especially with changes to Twitter’s verification system. The iconic blue checkmark used to signal some level of credibility; it told users that the account was the real deal. Musk’s idea of letting anyone buy that checkmark through Twitter Blue turned this symbol of authenticity into something just about anyone with a subscription fee can get.

This well-meaning but problematic idea opened the door for parody accounts, scammers, and trolls, all of whom now had a chance to look “legit” for a small price. It’s led to confusion as users can’t always tell who’s credible and who’s not. Musk’s own actions have added to this mess; sometimes, his tweets themselves contain misinformation or misleading statements, which carry serious weight because of his influence. Whether he intends it or not, these moments fuel the very problem he claims to want to fix.

Twitter’s Algorithm Loves Viral Content — Even When It’s Wrong

One big issue here is Twitter’s algorithm. The platform is designed to highlight what’s engaging, not necessarily what’s true. Sensational posts — the ones that get people fired up — get shared and promoted more often than factual but “boring” content. This is great for Twitter’s engagement metrics but terrible for spreading accurate information. In other words, the system is practically built to boost misinformation because the most extreme or shocking posts are the ones people interact with.

Musk, who’s been all about ramping up engagement and getting people to spend more time on the app, hasn’t done much to address this flaw. In fact, his focus on “free speech” has allowed conspiracy theories and misinformation to flourish, bringing more of these voices to the surface. And here’s the kicker: it’s not just the U.S. that feels the impact. With Twitter’s global reach, this algorithmic issue affects people everywhere, often with even more drastic effects in countries where Twitter might be a primary news source.

Why This Matters in the Real World

You might wonder, what’s the big deal if someone sees a few questionable tweets? The problem is that misinformation on Twitter doesn’t just stay online. We’ve already seen real-world consequences, like when misinformation about COVID-19 discouraged people from taking vaccines or following basic safety precautions. Twitter’s issues go beyond health topics, too — political misinformation on the platform has swayed elections, fueled violent protests, and deepened social divides. In some countries, where traditional media is more controlled, Twitter is one of the few ways people get news, which only amplifies the effect of the misinformation they encounter there.

Should Musk Be Accountable for This Mess?

It’s fair to say that Musk inherited some of Twitter’s misinformation problems. But his actions since taking over have undeniably made things worse. By reducing content moderation, allowing virtually anyone to verify an account, and reinstating accounts known for spreading falsehoods, Musk has practically given misinformation the green light.

What makes this even more frustrating is that Musk’s big “free speech” push, while admirable in theory, often ignores the real-world impact of unchecked misinformation. With great influence comes responsibility, and Musk, as the head of Twitter, has a massive responsibility to address the information crisis on his platform.

What Twitter Needs to Do to Turn Things Around

If Twitter wants to be seen as a credible source of information again, some changes need to happen:

1. Bring Back Real Verification: Reinstate a strict verification system so users can distinguish between credible accounts and those paying to appear trustworthy.
2. Rethink the Algorithm: Twitter’s algorithm needs a reset. Instead of focusing solely on engagement, it should also promote credible sources and fact-based content. This might slow down some viral moments, but it would be a huge step in curbing misinformation.
3. Clearer Content Moderation: Twitter should have transparent policies on moderation that aim to highlight truth and verify suspicious information. It’s not about shutting down free speech but about ensuring people have access to accurate information.
4. Promote Digital Literacy: Twitter could use its platform to educate users about spotting misinformation and vetting sources. Some guidance on responsible digital consumption would be incredibly helpful for all users, especially younger ones.
5. Musk Needs to Walk the Walk: If Musk really wants Twitter to be a platform for free and fair information, he needs to be more thoughtful about how his policies impact that vision. He has the power to make Twitter a source people trust — if he chooses to take that responsibility seriously.

Deep Thoughts, By Jeremy Tellier

You don’t need to do a deep dive to see how far misinformation has spread on Twitter. From my own experience today, even a casual scroll serves up a buffet of half-truths and outright lies. Studies back up this experience, showing that fake news on Twitter often goes viral faster than accurate information. False content on Twitter is six times more likely to spread than the truth — a trend that’s only grown since Musk made drastic cuts to Twitter’s content moderation teams and policies.

Twitter under Elon Musk could have been a beacon of open dialogue and credible information. Instead, the platform has become a messy mix of truth and falsehoods, where users are left to figure out what’s real. While Musk might argue that he’s just giving people freedom, it’s hard to ignore that his decisions have made misinformation worse, not better.

It’s time for Musk to recognize that his role isn’t just about making Twitter profitable or popular; it’s about creating a platform that informs rather than misleads. Until that happens, Twitter’s credibility will continue to suffer, and the users will be the ones paying the price.