What's happened
Amid rising tensions in the UK following recent riots, several Labour MPs, including Jess Phillips and Diane Abbott, are reducing their engagement on Twitter, now X, criticizing its descent into negativity under Elon Musk. They express concerns over the platform's role in amplifying far-right rhetoric and misinformation.
What's behind the headline?
Impact on Political Discourse
- Shift in Engagement: Labour MPs are opting out of X, indicating a significant shift in how politicians engage with social media.
- Amplification of Extremism: Concerns are growing that X serves as a platform for far-right groups, undermining democratic discourse.
Future of Social Media Use
- Exploration of Alternatives: MPs are considering platforms like Threads and Bluesky, which may offer a more positive environment.
- Potential Policy Changes: The government may implement stricter regulations on social media to combat misinformation and hate speech.
Public Sentiment
- Growing Discontent: Public figures expressing dissatisfaction with X could reflect broader societal concerns about online platforms.
- Calls for Accountability: There is increasing pressure on social media companies to take responsibility for the content shared on their platforms.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Labour MPs, including Diane Abbott, are limiting their use of X due to its negative atmosphere under Elon Musk's ownership. Jess Phillips described the platform as 'a place of misery' and indicated she has deleted the app from her phone. In contrast, Politico highlights the government's response to Musk's inflammatory comments regarding civil unrest, emphasizing the need for social media accountability. The South China Morning Post notes that the UK government is urging Musk to act responsibly amid ongoing violence, reflecting a growing concern over the influence of social media on public safety. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the tension between political figures and social media platforms in the current climate.
How we got here
The unrest in the UK was sparked by misinformation surrounding a violent incident, leading to riots and heightened scrutiny of social media's role in public discourse. Elon Musk's ownership of X has drawn criticism for fostering a toxic environment.
Go deeper
- What alternatives to Twitter are MPs considering?
- How has public sentiment shifted regarding social media?
- What actions is the government taking against misinformation?
Common question
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Why Are Labour MPs Reducing Their Twitter Usage?
Labour MPs are stepping back from Twitter, now known as X, due to concerns over its direction under Elon Musk. This shift raises questions about the future of political engagement on social media and what alternatives might be on the horizon. Below, we explore the reasons behind this trend and its implications for public discourse.
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Why Did Jess Phillips Quit Elon Musk's X?
Jess Phillips, a prominent Labour MP, has made headlines by stepping back from using Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter. This decision reflects a growing concern among politicians about the platform's direction and its impact on mental health. Below, we explore the implications of social media on mental well-being and what alternatives exist for users seeking a healthier online experience.
More on these topics
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun
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Jessica Rose Phillips is a British Labour Party politician. She has served as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley since the 2015 general election.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Twitter was an American social networking service that was rebranded as X in 2023. Established in March 2006, it grew to become one of the world's largest social media websites and the fifth-most visited website in the world. It was launched in July 2006.