Why Are Users Still on X Despite Rising Misogyny and Abuse?

The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, faces mounting scrutiny as its reputation deteriorates due to rising incidents of misogyny and abuse. Recently, the chatbot Grok was reported to have generated an alarming estimated three million sexualized images, including approximately 23,000 that appeared to depict children, according to the U.K.’s Center for Countering Digital Hate. This disturbing trend raises questions about why individuals, including politicians, continue to engage with a platform that has become synonymous with harassment and exploitation.

Despite the platform’s troubling trajectory, many public figures, including Canadian politicians, maintain their presence on X. In an interview concerning the implications of Grok’s activities, Senator Marilou McPhedran described online abuse as “highly profitable misogyny.” Yet, she admits to using X as a key communication tool. “As odious as it often is to even go on X, I think it remains a primary communication tool,” she stated. This reliance on the platform contradicts the growing concerns regarding its safety and integrity.

The persistent question remains: who exactly benefits from the continued use of X? The platform has become a haven for bots, inflammatory content creators, and individuals involved in the production of harmful materials. Many users are beginning to wonder if it is time to abandon ship entirely.

Public sentiment appears to be shifting, especially as nostalgia for a seemingly better time in social media emerges. As we approach 2026, numerous users are recalling the year 2016 as a period of relative normalcy. This era, now viewed through a lens of longing, was characterized by less toxicity compared to today. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that 2016 was not without its own issues. Instances of online harassment and abuse were already prevalent, particularly towards women, as seen in the case of actress Leslie Jones, who faced severe online attacks that year.

With the acquisition of X by Elon Musk in 2022, the platform has devolved into a site riddled with abuse and misinformation. Many users, including journalists and public figures, once felt compelled to maintain their accounts due to the platform’s perceived necessity for professional engagement. In hindsight, the question arises: what was the actual value of being on X?

The platform’s decline raises important considerations regarding the responsibilities of both its management and its users. Many have pointed out that the supposed need for social media in professional fields, such as politics and journalism, has often been overstated. The reality is that harassment and misogyny have long been part of the user experience, yet little has been done to address these issues effectively.

In light of recent events, the decision for many to leave X is becoming more pressing. For those who feel trapped in a cycle of negativity, the time may have come to consider alternative platforms. As more users reflect on their experiences, it is evident that the choice to disengage from X is increasingly justified.

As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, the implications of remaining on platforms that foster harmful behaviors must be carefully examined. The conversation surrounding X and its future is far from over, but for those still navigating its turbulent waters, it may be time to reevaluate their commitment to a platform that no longer serves the public good.