The New Shift: Why News is Leaving X Behind – The Latest

The media landscape is shifting. Right now, X (formerly Twitter) is making headlines as news organizations and individuals drop the platform—a move that may signal where we’re heading next.

Recently, news outlets like NPR and The Guardian have abandoned X, citing toxic environments, the spread of misinformation, and the platform’s shift in values. For younger generations who’ve only ever known news delivered via social media, this shift might feel unfamiliar—even radical. But for older generations, it’s a return to how things used to be: going directly to trusted news sources without a middleman distorting the narrative.

How Ironic

The irony of X’s decline is striking. For years, it was the favored platform of journalists—a place to share their work and, increasingly, their personal views. That dynamic turned X from a tool that amplified stories and connected audiences into a battleground for harassment, misinformation, and toxic discourse. In trying to be everywhere, journalism found itself entangled in a space that often undercut its own values.

Now, the numbers reflect the growing dissatisfaction. Between May 2023 and September 2024, X’s daily active user base dropped nearly 20 percent in the U.S. and an even steeper 33 percent in the UK, according to Mashable. This sharp decline coincides with Elon Musk’s takeover in late 2022, which introduced looser content moderation rules and controversial platform changes.

At the same time, X’s shifting business model highlights broader challenges in social media. Advertisers have pulled back, and attempts to pivot to subscription-based revenue have failed to make up the difference. The platform’s financial instability mirrors its cultural decline. Platforms built to maximize clicks and engagement are losing their appeal as both people and news outlets recognize the costs of relying on them. Social media isn’t just a middleman—it’s a filter, often a megaphone for controversy, and too often a breeding ground for misinformation.

A Bold Move

By stepping away, news organizations may reclaim their role as direct sources of reliable information. It’s a bold move, especially considering that the original shift to social media was driven by one undeniable fact: that’s where the eyeballs were. For years, platforms like X promised unmatched reach and engagement. But as the pitfalls of misinformation, toxicity, and algorithmic manipulation have become impossible to ignore, news outlets are choosing to prioritize reliability and trust over chasing clicks.

This “everything old is new again” moment carries significant cultural and democratic implications. Younger generations might discover the value of going straight to the source for news, while older generations may feel a renewed sense of trust in journalism. This convergence of generational habits, driven by the shared goal of fostering a more informed society, couldn’t come at a better time. In an era where misinformation is rampant and democratic institutions feel fragile, this shift may be exactly what is needed. Sometimes, the best way forward is by looking back.

– Jaci Clement
CEO/Executive Director
jaci@fairmediacouncil.org