Public Outcry Grows Over Misogyny on X Amid AI Controversy

The social media platform known as X, owned by Elon Musk, is under intense scrutiny following reports of its chatbot, Grok, generating an alarming volume of sexual abuse imagery. An analysis by the Center for Countering Digital Hate revealed that Grok produced an estimated three million sexualized images, including about 23,000 depicting children, in just two weeks. This situation raises significant questions about the safety and ethical implications of using the platform.

Many are left wondering why individuals and public figures continue to engage with X, especially after such disturbing revelations. The platform has a notorious history of facilitating misogyny and harassment, particularly against women. Despite this, some Canadian politicians, including Marilou McPhedran, a senator from Manitoba, remain active users. In a recent interview, McPhedran referred to online abuse as “highly profitable misogyny” but emphasized the necessity of maintaining communication through platforms like X for political engagement.

As the dialogue around online safety intensifies, the question persists: who benefits from remaining on X? Critics argue that the platform is overrun with bots and abusive content, diminishing its value as a legitimate communication tool. The notion of X as a “town square” where public discourse flourishes has dimmed considerably, particularly in light of its current state.

Reflecting on the past, some users express nostalgia for earlier years, particularly 2016, which they regard as a more positive time for online interactions. However, this sentiment is met with skepticism. While 2016 was before significant global upheavals, it was also characterized by rampant online harassment, as exemplified by the treatment of actress Leslie Jones on Twitter.

The reality is that many public figures felt compelled to remain on X due to its perceived necessity for professional visibility. Yet, as the platform devolves into a hub for abuse and misinformation, the rationale for staying becomes increasingly tenuous.

In a candid reflection, a former user shared their experience of grappling with the toxic environment on X before ultimately deciding to delete their account. They noted a sense of relief and freedom post-deletion, highlighting the growing sentiment among users that it may be time to reconsider their presence on the platform.

As discussions surrounding the future of X continue, the call for accountability and reform grows louder. The increasing prevalence of AI-generated harmful content underscores the urgent need for platforms to prioritize user safety and ethical standards. With public outcry mounting, it remains to be seen how X will respond to these challenges and whether users will ultimately choose to remain or depart from the platform.

As the year progresses, the question remains: will 2026 be the year that many users finally log off for good? With mounting evidence of the platform’s shortcomings, the decision may become clearer for those still uncertain about their presence on X.