Hate speech on X (formerly Twitter) skyrocketed by nearly 50% in the months following Elon Musk’s acquisition, according to a new study. Researchers also found no decline in bot activity, raising concerns about the platform’s safety and moderation.
Hate Speech Spike Linked to Musk’s Leadership
A recent analysis published in the journal PLOS One reveals that hate speech on X surged significantly after Elon Musk took over in late 2022. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions found that hateful content, including racism, homophobia, and transphobia, increased by 50% compared to pre-acquisition levels.
Key Findings from the Study
- Hate speech spiked just before Musk’s purchase and remained 50% higher weekly.
- Engagement with hate-related posts rose by 70%, with more likes and shares.
- Bot and inauthentic account activity showed no decline, potentially enabling scams and election interference.
Bot Activity Remains a Persistent Problem
Despite Musk’s 2022 pledge to “defeat the spam bots,” the study found no reduction in bot-like accounts during his tenure. These accounts continue to pose risks, including:
- Spreading misinformation.
- Disrupting public health campaigns.
- Interfering with democratic processes.
Environmentalists Flee the Platform
An August 2023 study in Trends in Ecology and Evolution highlighted another troubling trend: environmental activists left X at twice the rate of general political users after Musk’s takeover. This exodus represents a significant loss for the conservation community, including scientists, policymakers, and advocates.
Calls for Stronger Moderation and Research
The authors of the PLOS One study urged X to enhance its moderation efforts and called for more research into online hate speech and bot activity. They warned that unchecked hate speech and inauthentic accounts could harm democratic discourse and public safety.
