The X Problem

The debate over the integrity and function of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is escalating, with recent commentary from industry analysts highlighting deep concerns over the proliferation of divisive content and the authenticity of many influential accounts.

The platform's transformation, which began months ago, has led to it being described by some media observers as a "complete cesspool" of "pure vitriol." This shift appears to have driven long-time users and industry professionals, including notable figures in broadcasting, to significantly reduce their engagement. One recent media report specifically noted a near-total cessation of posting on the site by some individuals over the past couple of years due to the increasingly toxic environment.

A key factor fueling the recent alarm is the widespread suspicion regarding the origin of highly engaged political accounts. Reports suggest that a significant number of prominent political accounts active on X are not operated by individuals residing within the United States.

This finding raises critical questions about content manipulation, as these foreign-operated accounts are often accused of having the primary objective of sowing discord and division among the American populace. Users are unknowingly reading and sharing information designed to exploit existing societal fractures.

For television news organizations and their on-air talent, the situation presents a substantial risk to professional credibility.

Industry voices are now strongly advising TV stations to reconsider their use of X, urging them to instruct their talent to cease posting on the platform. The reasoning is clear: given the platform's demonstrated inability to police itself effectively and the high likelihood of encountering coordinated misinformation campaigns, X is increasingly viewed as a social media platform that "can't be trusted."

Continuing to use the site risks associating trusted news brands and established journalists with a space dominated by unverified sources, political vitriol, and foreign-influenced accounts whose primary purpose is antagonism, rather than genuine conversation or news dissemination.