Saying goodbye to Twitter is hard – no matter how much I’d like to

Remember when Twitter was the place to connect, share ideas and stay on top of global events? It feels like those days are slipping away. The platform has changed so much over the past few years, and it’s hard not to wonder if it’s beyond saving. With new platforms like Bluesky and Threads emerging, the question is: can they really replace the gap that Twitter is leaving behind?

Twitter (yes, I still can’t bring myself to call it X) has become a bit of a minefield. These days, it feels like you’re constantly dodging spam bots, heated arguments and all sorts of problematic content.

I used to love Twitter. I’ve been on it since 2009, and it was a place where I found community and stayed informed. But the way it’s deteriorated lately – especially in the last few years – has been shocking.

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The change happened fast. One day, we were all tweeting under that familiar blue bird logo, and the next, it was gone, replaced by a stark black X. Features that were once available to everyone are now hidden behind a paywall.

A lot of the frustration comes from the changes in the news feed. Elon Musk tried to mimic TikTok’s “For You” page by showing more content from accounts you don’t follow. But Twitter isn’t TikTok. The result? A feed cluttered with viral posts that often have nothing to do with what you care about.

And then there’s the issue of moderation – or rather, the lack of it. Since Musk (below) took over, there’s been a noticeable shift. Accounts that were banned for spreading hate or misinformation have reappeared, and researchers have pointed out that the algorithm now seems to amplify toxic content.

(Image: PA)

Musk calls himself a “free speech absolutist”, arguing that Twitter should be a place where all ideas can be debated openly. But in practice, this has often meant giving more space to extreme voices, at the expense of everyone else.

Two years after buying the platform, it’s clear that Musk has turned Twitter into a tool for pushing his own agenda, often aligning with far-right ideologies. His public support for conspiracy theories, including those related to public health and vaccination, has only added to the platform’s growing sense of chaos and division.

Just last week, Musk made headlines again, urging people to “support freedom of expression in the UK”. But in the midst of far-right riots sparked by misinformation, the UK Government blames social media – especially Musk’s platform – for fuelling disinformation and spreading hate.

These riots erupted after the tragic murder of three young girls was falsely blamed on a Muslim immigrant who arrived on a small boat. In reality, the crime was allegedly committed by a teenager born in the UK, the son of Rwandan immigrants.

The far-right influencer Tommy Robinson, whose account was restored by Musk on Twitter in late 2023, played a significant role in amplifying this false narrative. And Musk himself fanned the flames, tweeting on August 4 that “a civil war is inevitable”, alongside a video from Robinson. Critics argue that Musk has not only failed to tackle disinformation on his platform but has actively contributed to its spread.

While disinformation is a problem across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and WhatsApp, X stands out in this mess for two key reasons. First, it’s the go-to platform for politicians and journalists, so accuracy matters more here than anywhere else. Second, Musk’s direct influence on what gets amplified adds a unique layer of concern.

It’s sad to see what’s happening to a platform that once felt like a digital town square.

In this increasingly toxic environment, people are asking: “Leave X, yes, but where to?” This year, many in the Twittersphere have explored alternatives, but none have fully caught on yet.

Some high-profile users have already had enough. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, quit X at the end of 2023, calling it “a vast global sewer”. Labour MPs are also leaving, alarmed by what they see as Musk turning the platform into “a megaphone for foreign adversaries and far-right fringe groups”.

For those looking elsewhere, Bluesky offers a familiar refuge. Its similarity to X makes it easy to navigate, especially for long-time users who miss the old Twitter vibe. Bluesky focuses on the essentials, bringing back that early Twitter feel that many of us loved.

But as much as I regret it, Twitter remains the go-to public square where all opinions are shared. The unfortunate truth is that no other platform offers the same instant access to influential figures or serves as a breaking news hub quite like Twitter. Meta’s Threads is trying to catch up, but Mark Zuckerberg isn’t pushing it as a haven for politicians or journalists. In fact, political content on Threads is deliberately toned down, only showing up if users actively seek it out.

I find myself more drawn to Bluesky as it slowly takes shape. Still, Twitter remains unmatched when it comes to the news, especially on topics like politics, economics, human rights, Europe – areas where the media outlets I follow are most active.

For major events, Twitter is still effective. It’s a good tool for finding information. Many public figures continue to use X as their main communication channel, and significant social issues and controversies are still debated there. As a journalist, it feels impossible to leave without risking missing out on something important. Whether we like it or not, X remains a major and essential social network.

That said, I spend less time on Twitter now than I used to. Many of the communities I belong to are less active, and I’ve noticed a shift in discussions, with fewer constructive exchanges. The divide is clear, and it’s affecting how much I engage.

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However, despite all of that, letting go of Twitter is incredibly hard for me. Long-time users feel a strong attachment to the platform.

Many people might not understand, but it’s not just a social network – it’s been a significant part of my life. Fifteen years ago, it sparked my political awakening and connected me with people who shared my interests. One of those connections even became the love of my life, leading to marriage and starting a family.

Twitter was also instrumental in my journey to becoming a journalist. Without family connections, I relied on Twitter to get noticed by news organisations and influential people who might have otherwise overlooked people like me. I started my freelance career in Scotland there and built meaningful connections along the way. It’s the social platform I prefer for its real-time updates, conversations and, very importantly, good laughs.

For many journalists, especially those from marginalised communities or working-class backgrounds, Twitter wasn’t just a platform; it was a gateway to opportunities that might have seemed unreachable otherwise. That’s why saying goodbye is so hard.