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Elon Musk's proposal for a monthly user fee on platform X faces severe backlash. The decision jeopardizes user engagement and raises doubts about the platform's sustainability and appeal to advertisers.
During a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk defended his proposal, stating that a small monthly payment would combat the rampant presence of "armies of bots" on the site. These automated accounts often amplify political messages or spread racial hatred.
Musk's acquisition of X, formerly known as Twitter, for a hefty $44 billion was met with high expectations. However, he admitted that the platform's value has plummeted since then.
This decline is attributed to his decision to downsize the workforce and allow right-wing conspiracy theorists to regain access. It drove away advertisers in the process.
Users of X are united in their dismay over Musk's latest plan, fearing that it may ultimately lead to the site's downfall. Analysts have also expressed skepticism, questioning the logic behind a move that could further lower the platform's appeal to advertisers.
According to Musk, X has already lost nearly half of its advertising revenue. Nevertheless, he claims that the majority of advertisers have returned. Despite this reassurance, implementing a small fee for using the X system has sparked a wave of backlash and criticism from users.
The proposal to make users pay has raised concerns about the future viability of the platform. Many fear that introducing a blanket paywall would crush the network effect of millions of people interacting on the site, serving as a key appeal to both advertisers and users.
James Cooper, director of the Business of Apps agency, warns that universal charging for the service would decimate the user base and diminish the platform's value. He highlights the importance of user participation and contribution and emphasizes that such a move would undermine these aspects.
Musk's announcement has triggered thousands of critical messages and memes, showcasing the frustration and disappointment of X users. Some have even bid farewell to the platform, expressing dissatisfaction with Musk's leadership.
As the controversy unfolds, X's future hangs in the balance. Only time will tell how users, advertisers, and the company will respond to this potential upheaval.
Photo: Julian Christ/Unsplash
