Misogyny and AI Abuse: Why Are Users Still on X?

The social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, has come under severe scrutiny following reports of rampant misogyny and the production of disturbing content through its integrated chatbot, Grok. According to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, Grok generated an estimated three million sexualized images, including approximately 23,000 that appear to depict children, in a mere two weeks. This alarming statistic raises critical questions about the platform’s future and the reasons users continue to engage with it.

In an interview discussing the implications of Grok on public discourse, Marilou McPhedran, a senator from Manitoba, labelled the online abuse prevalent on X as “highly profitable misogyny.” Despite recognizing the platform’s troubling environment, she and numerous other politicians in Canada still utilize X as a communication tool. McPhedran explained, “As odious as it often is to even go on X, I think it remains a primary communication tool.”

This raises a pertinent question: who exactly benefits from this platform? With the increasing presence of bots and harmful content creators, it becomes difficult to identify any redeeming qualities or reasons for remaining active on X. The platform seems to have become a breeding ground for abusive behavior, leading many to wonder when the tipping point will arrive that drives users away for good.

The sentiment towards X reflects a growing nostalgia for the past, with some users reminiscing about the social media landscape of 2016. Many now view that year as a time of relative innocence before the escalation of online harassment and the rise of divisive political discourse. Although there was a sense of optimism during the Obama era, the challenges women faced, including harassment on platforms like Twitter, were already becoming evident.

The transition of X under Musk’s ownership has further complicated the platform’s reputation. Once a space for cultural exchange and real-time engagement, X has devolved into what some describe as a “cesspool of slop, abuse, and propaganda.” Individuals who once found value in live-tweeting events or sharing news have begun to question the necessity of their presence on the site.

Many users, including journalists and public figures, have faced persistent harassment, leading some to abandon their accounts altogether. Columnist Jen Zoratti highlighted her experience, stating that she held onto her account for too long before deciding to delete it entirely. She remarked, “I don’t miss it. I don’t even think about it. It’s beyond time for everyone who is still on it to do the same.”

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the ongoing challenges facing X present a unique dilemma. While the platform has been a significant tool for communication, its current trajectory raises critical questions about user safety and the broader implications for public discourse. The decision to stay or leave X may soon become less about personal choice and more about the responsibility each user feels towards fostering a healthier online environment.

In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how long the platform can sustain its user base without addressing the pervasive issues of abuse and exploitation. The future of X rests not only on its ability to adapt and respond to these challenges but also on the willingness of users to reevaluate their engagement with a platform that has strayed far from its original purpose.