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Elon Musk's X Gains Popularity Among Conservatives
Since its acquisition by Elon Musk in late 2022, the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, has seen increased favorability among conservative users and those with right-leaning political views. A recent report by the Pew Research Center highlights that the percentage of Republican users who view the platform as beneficial for American democracy has surged. Before Musk's takeover, only 17% of Republican users held this belief; now, this figure has more than tripled to 53%.
Conversely, Democratic users' view of X has significantly declined. In 2021, 47% of Democrats considered the platform mostly good for democracy, but after more than 18 months under Musk's ownership, this percentage has plummeted to 26%. The shift in sentiment is largely attributed to Musk's efforts in amplifying conservative voices and viewpoints, a departure from the platform's earlier perceived left-leaning bias.
A Platform for Right-Leaning Views
The report indicates that X has become a more welcoming environment for Republican viewpoints. Over half of Republicans who post about politics on the platform feel their views are welcomed, in contrast to only a third of Democrats. Moreover, left-leaning users are far more likely to view harassment as a significant issue on X, highlighting the platform's changing dynamics.
Musk has been openly critical of the former employee base and the perceived left-leaning dominance on the site. He has expressed his commitment to supporting free speech and creating a platform where diverse voices can be heard. His actions since acquiring X include reinstating former President Donald Trump's account, amplifying conservative and conspiracy theories, and regularly criticizing President Joe Biden.
Impact on Upcoming Elections
As the 2024 US Presidential election approaches, the role of X in political discourse remains crucial. Nearly 75% of users encounter political content on the platform, emphasizing its significance in shaping public opinion and political campaigns. Unlike other social media CEOs, Musk has not shied away from expressing his political leanings and has actively pushed X toward conservative interests.
In a notable move, Musk hosted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as he announced his presidential campaign on the platform, marking a first for social media. Additionally, X is set to host a town hall event with Trump, reflecting its growing importance as a venue for political engagement. Meanwhile, Biden declined an invitation to participate in a similar town hall event on X, further underlining the platform's alignment with conservative politics.
Future Prospects
With Musk's immense influence and his follower base of more than 187 million, the future of X is likely to see continued engagement from conservative figures and ideas. Musk’s public endorsements of conservative views, criticism of inclusive policies, and platforming of right-wing politicians indicate a sustained trajectory toward right-leaning politics on X.
