Black Twitter, a group of influential and engaged Black users on social media, is facing an uncertain future as many are leaving X, formerly known as Twitter, due to issues like bots, harassment, and partisan ads surrounding the presidential election. Users like Jonathan Johnson fear that Black Twitter may not exist in the next few years if the mass exodus continues. Founded on shared cultural experiences, Black Twitter has played a key role in movements like #SayHerName, #BlackLivesMatter, and #OscarsSoWhite. Through memes, gifs, threads, and hashtags, Black users have united to discuss social issues, pop culture, and more.
The rise of Donald Trump and changes to the social media platform by owner Elon Musk have prompted many, including prominent figures like Gabrielle Union and Don Lemon, to leave X. The platform’s move to train AI with users’ posts and a surge in hate speech have driven users away. Many are now turning to alternative platforms like Bluesky, Threads, or Spill for a safer and more user-friendly experience. Bluesky, in particular, has seen a significant increase in users, with efforts to create a safe and inclusive space for Black users like Blacksky.
While Black Twitter may not be able to be fully re-created, users are optimistic about finding new platforms to maintain the sense of community and engagement they had on X. As Black users continue to migrate to alternative apps, the future of Black Twitter remains uncertain, but the desire to preserve the positive aspects of the community is strong among many users.
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