In the aftermath of the 2024 election, tech journalist Kara Swisher shared her concerns about the future of X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk’s leadership, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s victory. Known for her insight into tech and media dynamics, Swisher predicted a “dark evolution” for the platform. According to her, Musk’s laissez-faire approach to content moderation combined with Trump’s return to political power could shift X into a breeding ground for unchecked disinformation, political polarization, and manipulation.
Swisher’s concern is rooted in the trajectory X has taken since Musk took control in 2022. Under his leadership, the platform reduced content moderation, reinstated previously banned accounts, and introduced changes to its verification system. Critics argue these moves increased the spread of false information and hate speech, and Swisher warns this trend could escalate significantly in a political environment that empowers divisive rhetoric.
With Trump back in power, Swisher argues that X is likely to become a primary communication tool for his administration, where it can amplify his policies and counteract mainstream media narratives. Swisher predicts that Musk, who has shown support for free speech to a nearly absolute degree, will be reluctant to restrict the platform’s content, even if misinformation or violent rhetoric increases. The combination of Trump’s influence and Musk’s hands-off approach could turn X into a largely unmoderated space for polarizing political content, with potentially troubling consequences for democracy.
Swisher also highlighted her concerns over how X’s monetization model may exacerbate these issues. Since taking over, Musk introduced a paid subscription model with benefits like priority visibility, which some fear incentivizes controversial or extreme content to boost engagement. Swisher predicts that with Trump’s re-election, content that aligns with his political narrative could become more visible, creating an echo chamber effect that further isolates opposing views. Swisher also pointed out that users promoting misinformation or incendiary content may find themselves rewarded with increased visibility and platform revenue, a shift from traditional advertising models.
For Swisher, the implications extend beyond X itself, as the platform’s influence on public discourse could push other social media companies to adopt similarly loose moderation practices. She sees this as part of a broader trend that could erode accountability and accuracy in online spaces, particularly during politically charged times.
Swisher’s “dark evolution” warning serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked platforms in a politically divided climate. With Musk prioritizing unregulated discourse and Trump back in power, the future of X may indeed challenge the integrity of online information and reshape the digital landscape in ways that could impact democracy at large.