19-9-2023 (PARIS) Elon Musk has stirred up a storm of criticism among users of his social media platform X by suggesting the introduction of a monthly subscription fee for all users. This proposal marks a significant potential change since Musk acquired the platform previously known as Twitter last October.
During a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Musk argued that implementing a nominal monthly fee for X could help combat the proliferation of “armies of bots” on the platform.
Musk had acquired Twitter for a hefty $44 billion, but he later conceded that its value had significantly declined following extensive layoffs and the return of right-wing conspiracy theorists to the platform, which led to an exodus of advertisers.
This latest plan has drawn ire from X users, with many suggesting it might spell the end of the platform. Analysts are also questioning the rationale behind a move that could make the platform less attractive to advertisers.
In July, Musk revealed that the platform had experienced roughly a 50% drop in advertising revenue, although he claimed that almost all advertisers had returned.
Bots, which are automated accounts controlled by computer programs rather than humans, are a prevalent issue on X. They are often used to amplify political messages or propagate racial hatred.
Netanyahu raised concerns about anti-Semitism with Musk during their conversation and inquired about how X could prevent bots, specifically “armies of bots,” from replicating and amplifying anti-Semitic content.
In response, Musk stated that the company was “moving towards implementing a small monthly fee for using the X platform.” He argued that even a modest fee would make it financially impractical to operate bots effectively.
This conversation occurred amid a dispute between Musk and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a US-based Jewish organization. Musk has threatened to sue the ADL for making unsubstantiated accusations of anti-Semitism that led to the loss of advertisers and revenue for his company. Musk has faced allegations of promoting anti-Semitic ideas in the past.
Musk’s proposal to introduce user payments resulted in a flood of criticism and memes on the platform, with many expressing their discontent.
“RIP X/Twitter! It’s been REAL and it’s been FUN, but since you took over, it ain’t been REAL FUN,” wrote a user named Jesi T.
James Cooper, the director of the Business of Apps agency, warned that implementing a universal paywall could disrupt the “network effect” that attracts millions of users to interact on the platform. This network effect is a key draw for both advertisers and users alike.
“Charging everyone for the service would diminish the user base, thereby eroding the network’s value and the incentive for people to participate as contributors,” Cooper stated.
