08 Jul 2023

Twitter Sucks: 20 Amazing Reasons it is the Cesspool of Social Media

Richard Lowe

Social Media

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Social media has not just reshaped our world, but it has become an intrinsic part of it. Among the many platforms, Twitter has always been an influential player. With its concise ‘tweets,’ Twitter has broken news stories, amplified social movements, and even steered political conversations. However, lately, a common sentiment echoing across the digital landscape is that “Twitter sucks.” This phrase has taken over the discourse, representing a growing dissatisfaction among Twitter users. Why are they saying, “Twitter sucks?” What could have possibly changed to stir such feelings?

In this exploration, we delve into Twitter’s journey, its significant transitions, and the reasons why some users have felt disillusioned with the platform. Moreover, we’ll examine how these changes tie into other sectors, such as ghostwriting. We’re all stakeholders in the digital realm, and it’s essential to understand these shifts and their impacts.

What is Twitter?

In 2006, Twitter came into existence as a microblogging site where users could share brief updates about their life, thoughts, and more. Users from all corners of the globe could share 140-character ‘tweets’ (later expanded to 280 characters), providing quick updates or sharing valuable insights. Over time, Twitter evolved into a platform for businesses to reach customers, activists to amplify their causes, and even celebrities to connect with their fans. But recently, the narrative seems to be changing with a loud and clear cry: “Twitter sucks.”

Despite having around 330 million active users, as of 2023, there is a palpable shift in the sentiment towards the platform. Once a bastion for free speech and rapid information exchange, many feel Twitter has lost its charm. A considerable section of users have been vocal about their frustration, going as far as to say, “Twitter sucks.” This discontentment hasn’t appeared out of the blue but is a culmination of changes and incidents that have affected Twitter’s user experience and its essence.

The Silver Lining: What Was/Is Good About Twitter

Despite the prevailing sentiment that “Twitter sucks”, it’s essential to acknowledge the platform’s positives. After all, Twitter’s features and usability made it a popular choice among social media users worldwide. Here, we present 12 standout attributes that have earned Twitter its loyal user base, focusing on the period before Elon Musk’s involvement and the current state of the platform.

Real-Time Updates: Twitter’s real-time nature has made it a preferred platform for accessing breaking news and live events.
Global Reach: The platform has connected people across the globe, allowing them to share ideas and perspectives.
Hashtag Movements: Hashtags on Twitter have sparked global movements, amplifying voices on critical issues.
Networking Opportunities: Professionals have used Twitter to connect with industry peers, clients, and potential employers.
Freedom of Expression: Twitter has offered an open platform for everyone to voice their opinions.
Influencer Access: Twitter has provided direct access to celebrities, politicians, and influencers, reducing the distance between fans and their idols.
Brand Engagement: The platform has enabled brands to engage directly with their customers and receive real-time feedback.
Microblogging: The concept of microblogging has made content creation accessible for everyone, not just professional writers.
Learning Resources: Twitter threads and shared articles have served as rich resources for learning about diverse topics.
Crisis Communication: During emergencies or crises, Twitter has proven to be an effective tool for disseminating critical information.
Creativity Boost: Twitter’s character limit has encouraged creativity, pushing users to express complex ideas succinctly.
Humor and Memes: The platform has been a significant source of humor, wit, and memes, often providing much-needed levity.

However, even these attributes have been unable to completely counter the perception that “Twitter sucks” for many users. As a result, Twitter’s user base has been wavering. Only time will tell if Twitter can recover its former glory or if the “Twitter sucks” sentiment will define its future.

The Twitter story serves as a valuable lesson for other social media platforms, reminding them of the importance of listening to user feedback, preserving positive elements, and addressing grievances promptly and effectively. After all, the user experience should be at the heart of every platform. It is this very user-centric approach that made Twitter a favorite among millions, and it is this very approach that will determine its future success or failure.

Twitter: Before and After Elon Musk

To understand why “Twitter sucks” has become such a prevalent sentiment, we need to look into the time before and after Elon Musk’s involvement with Twitter. The billionaire entrepreneur’s influence on the platform has been substantial, leading to significant changes in Twitter’s operation and public perception.

Before Musk

In its early days and before Musk’s involvement, Twitter had carved out a distinct niche for itself. Its platform’s brevity allowed for swift conversation and quick dissemination of information. It was an exciting digital landscape where every user, regardless of their background or location, had the opportunity to voice their opinions and engage in global discussions. Users thrived in this dynamic environment and relished the connections they could make and the range of content they could access. The platform was widely used with many advantages, but also many flaws.

Online Harassment: Twitter became a breeding ground for online trolls, and the platform’s response was often slow or insufficient.
Hate Speech: Despite policies to combat hate speech, many users felt Twitter didn’t do enough to curb such behavior.
Misinformation: The rapid spread of misinformation became a major problem, often leading to confusion and misguided opinions.
Promotion of Sensational Content: Twitter’s algorithms tended to favor controversial and sensational content, promoting a culture of outrage.
Brevity Limitations: The 280-character limit was often criticized as being too restrictive for nuanced conversations.
Intrusive Ads: The increasing number of ads disrupted the user experience.
Privacy Concerns: Many users were skeptical about how Twitter handled their personal data.
Ephemeral Nature of Tweets: The short lifespan of tweets often led to valuable content being lost in the deluge.
Echo Chamber Effect: Twitter often showed users content they agreed with, creating echo chambers and limiting exposure to diverse views.
Ambiguity in Policy Enforcement: The inconsistent application of rules and penalties frustrated users.
Lack of Edit Feature: The inability to edit tweets after posting was a common complaint.
Algorithmic Timeline: The shift from chronological to algorithmic timelines was unpopular, making it harder for users to keep up with real-time posts.

Twitter Sucks After Musk

With Elon Musk stepping into the picture, things began to change. His arrival was marked by a number of shifts in Twitter’s policies and algorithms, stirring a storm of controversies and criticisms. The platform that was once a user’s paradise for its simple and inclusive model began to lose its appeal. Gradually, the “Twitter sucks” mantra started to gain traction. As reported in a TechCrunch article, many users found their content reach and engagement dropping, feeling a sense of suppression and bias. These changes contributed significantly to the perception that “Twitter sucks.”

Increased Censorship: High-profile accounts faced bans and restrictions, leading to concerns about censorship.
Decreased Reach: Many users reported that their content’s reach and engagement had dropped.
Unpredictability: Musk’s influence added a degree of unpredictability and volatility to the platform.
Favoritism: Accusations of bias and favoritism towards high-profile users and celebrities increased.
Monetization Efforts: The introduction of paid features like Twitter Blue and Super Follows received mixed responses, with many users feeling it created a two-tiered system.
Algorithm Changes: Frequent changes to the platform’s algorithm led to a loss of user control over the content they saw.
Promotion of Controversial Figures: Twitter’s role in promoting and amplifying controversial figures, including Musk himself, stirred criticism.
Manipulation of Cryptocurrency: Musk’s tweets often influenced cryptocurrency markets, leading to accusations of manipulation.
Politicization: The platform became heavily politicized, leading to more polarization among users.
Increasing Complexity: The introduction of new features such as Spaces, Fleets, and Tip Jar added complexity to what was once a simple platform.
Poor Customer Service: Users felt that Twitter’s customer service response was slow and ineffective.
Lack of Transparency: The platform’s decision-making processes and policy enforcement were seen as opaque.
Quality Filter Discrimination: The quality filter was accused of unfairly suppressing certain voices.
Influencer Dominance: The overemphasis on influencers and celebrities frustrated average users.
Cryptic Suspension Policies: Users felt suspension policies were cryptic and randomly applied.
Shadow Banning Accusations: Accusations of shadow banning, or secretly limiting a user’s visibility, increased.
Account Verification Issues: The account verification process was seen as arbitrary and unfair.
Cluttered User Interface: New updates made the user interface more cluttered and less user-friendly.
Reduced User Autonomy: Changes reduced the control users had over their Twitter experience.
Impact on Mental Health: The negative atmosphere on the platform was seen as detrimental to users’ mental health.

Twitter and Ghostwriting

Interestingly, this wave of discontentment has had a ripple effect on other sectors too, including ghostwriting. Ghostwriters often rely on social media platforms like Twitter to promote their work, network with clients, and stay updated with industry trends. However, the widespread sentiment that “Twitter sucks” has affected them too.

When algorithms changed and user engagement started dropping, ghostwriters began to feel the brunt. Tweets promoting their work weren’t getting the same traction as before, rendering Twitter less effective as a marketing tool. This unfavorable impact on their livelihood further fueled the narrative that “Twitter sucks.” Many ghostwriters are now considering alternative platforms to Twitter, a clear indication of the deepening disillusionment with the platform.

The Press and Twitter: A Symbiotic Relationship

The relationship between Twitter and the press has been pivotal in shaping the digital news landscape. News organizations have depended on Twitter for multiple reasons:

Breaking News: Given its real-time nature, Twitter is often the first platform where breaking news appears. Journalists use Twitter to stay on top of current events.
Audience Reach: With its global audience, Twitter allows the press to share news stories to a large and diverse demographic.
Public Sentiment Analysis: Through Twitter, journalists can gauge public opinion on various issues, aiding in their reporting.
Direct Communication: Twitter enables journalists to communicate directly with their audience, receiving instant feedback on their reports.
Verification of Information: Journalists often turn to Twitter for on-the-ground reports during significant events, verifying these with their sources.

However, the increasing perception that “Twitter sucks” has strained this symbiotic relationship. Journalists too face the downsides of the platform – the spread of misinformation, online harassment, and censorship concerns. These challenges have led some media professionals to reconsider their dependence on Twitter, looking for alternatives that might serve their needs better.

New Alternatives to Twitter

As dissatisfaction with Twitter grows, several alternatives have emerged, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Mastodon: A decentralized social network that empowers users with greater control over their data.

Advantages: No ads, chronological timeline, stronger privacy controls.
Disadvantages: Smaller user base, more complex to navigate.

Parler: Known for its stance on free speech, attracting conservative users.

Advantages: Minimal content moderation, simple user interface.
Disadvantages: Criticized for being a platform for hate speech, lower diversity of thought.

Clubhouse: An audio-based social media app gaining popularity for its unique approach.

Advantages: Real-time audio conversations, potential for deeper discussions.
Disadvantages: Exclusive, invite-only model, limited accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.

Substack: A platform for independent writers to monetize their work.

Advantages: Direct connection between writers and their audience, monetization opportunities.
Disadvantages: Lack of discoverability, saturated market.

Signal: Prioritizes privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for all communications.

Advantages: Strong data protection, no ads.
Disadvantages: Less suited for public discussions, more private in nature.

While these alternatives are not perfect, they represent the evolving landscape of social media. They acknowledge the growing sentiment that “Twitter sucks” and strive to fill the gaps left by Twitter’s shortcomings. It’s worth watching to see if they’ll surpass Twitter or if Twitter can reverse its current decline and retain its status as a prominent player in the social media world.

Twitter Rebranding – A Leap into the Future or a Step Too Far?

Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire known for his ambitious ventures, recently made headlines for a rather daring move – the rebranding of Twitter, a social media giant he acquired for $44 billion, to ‘X’. More than just a facelift, this transformation is not without its share of hurdles and has sparked widespread debate on its implications.

Musk detailed his motivation for the rebranding in a post, claiming it was a move made to “ensure freedom of speech and as an accelerant for X, the everything app.” However, this initiative has been met with both user criticism and potential legal challenges.

The world of tech is no stranger to corporate rebranding; Google altered its parent company’s name to Alphabet in 2015, and Facebook’s parent company rebranded to Meta in 2021. Musk, too, renamed Twitter’s parent company to X Corp. earlier this year. However, Musk’s decision to overhaul Twitter’s product-level branding, instead of merely changing the parent company name, marks a unique and bold step.

The rebranding involves reimagining certain core aspects of Twitter, including changing the nomenclature of ‘tweets’ to ‘x’s’. This drastic shift has been termed a risky gamble by business analysts. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives voiced concerns about the change affecting brand value, stating, “It’s a risky move getting rid of the iconic Twitter birdie logo,” and predicted a possible $2 to $5 billion loss in value. Other analysts have given even more drastic estimates of potential losses.

However, amidst the turmoil, Musk remains unfazed, viewing this as part of a long-term strategy to morph the platform into his envisioned “everything app.” While risky, Ives acknowledged that this audacious gamble may indeed pay off in the end.

The rebranding process has been far from smooth, with inconsistencies marring the transition. As of now, the platform’s web browser version flaunts the new ‘X’ logo, while the mobile app still retains the original ‘Twitter’ name and blue bird logo. These discrepancies, along with the abrupt change, have invited criticism and mockery online, adding to Musk’s challenges.

Beyond the digital sphere, the rebranding has encountered roadblocks in the real world. An attempt to change the Twitter sign outside the company’s headquarters in San Francisco was interrupted by the police, further highlighting the hurdles this change faces.

One of the largest challenges could be legal battles over trademark rights. Other tech giants like Meta and Microsoft have existing intellectual property rights to the letter ‘X’. This could leave the newly branded company open to litigation. Yet, some experts suggest these hurdles might not be insurmountable for Musk’s company, given its size and resources.

Moving forward, ‘X’ intends to expand into a range of services as revealed by company CEO Linda Yaccarino. Yaccarino’s vision for ‘X’ to be “centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking” suggests the platform’s evolution towards being an all-encompassing digital hub. While the long-term vision is viewed as sensible, the execution will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny.

The rebranding of Twitter to ‘X’ indicates a significant shift in how social media platforms perceive their roles within the digital landscape. This transition, filled with both promise and pitfalls, underscores a bold attempt to redefine established norms and provoke conversations about the intrinsic value of branding. As Musk propels the platform towards its ambitious future, the world watches with bated breath, curious to see whether ‘X’ marks the spot for success or failure.

Conclusion

The impact of Twitter on our digital lives is undeniable. It has been a central platform for discussions, debates, and content sharing. However, the recent developments and directional shifts, particularly after Elon Musk’s influence, have changed user perception dramatically. The phrase “Twitter sucks” has become a popular refrain, a symbol of the collective frustration and dissatisfaction users are experiencing. If Twitter intends to retain its relevance and user base, it cannot afford to ignore this powerful sentiment. After all, in the rapidly changing digital world, user experience is paramount.

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Richard Lowe

Owner & Senior Writer at The Writing King

Richard is the Owner and Senior Writer for The Writing King, a bestselling author, and ghostwriter. He's written and published 63 books, ghostwritten 48+ books, as well as hundreds of blog articles.