Why I deleted Twitter
Do social media platforms bear a responsibility to provide a safe, enjoyable space for their users?
Social media was once a place to share moments, engage with friends, and discover new interests, but it’s become increasingly clear that platforms need to do more to ensure user safety. When people log on to scroll their feeds, they expect a positive experience, not one where they’re bombarded by harassment, misinformation, or toxic content. If social media companies want to keep users engaged (which, let’s face it, is the ultimate goal here), they need to take their responsibility to provide safe, enjoyable spaces seriously. Otherwise, users will simply walk away, and the platforms will lose the very communities that drive their success. That’s exactly what I did this week, when I deleted my Twitter / X account.
Twitter/X: Protecting users from harassment and threats
Twitter was once known as a real-time aggregate news source, but has also always had an issue for being a breeding ground for harassment. This week, I received a notification that blocked users were given access to my account again, though they still would not be able to interact with my tweets. Big whoop. So they’ll just screenshot it and respond that way. By allowing blocked users access to the content of those who blocked them, it undermines one of the few tools people had to protect themselves on what has turned into a cesspool of a site. This is especially troubling for those who’ve faced serious threats or stalking (such as myself). When safety features are removed or weakened, it sends a message that the platform values freedom of speech over the safety and well-being of its users. Platforms like Twitter, and leaders like Elon Musk, have a responsibility to preserve safety tools and enforce policies that protect users from harmful interactions.Facebook: Addressing misinformation and harmful content
While Facebook has made strides in moderating misinformation, it’s still a significant problem. Users often encounter fake news and harmful content in their feeds, contributing to a toxic environment that can spread confusion or incite violence. And, it’s not always obvious what’s real and what isn’t. As a company that plays such a central role in global discourse, Facebook needs to take meaningful steps to actively remove harmful content and promote reliable sources of information. Allowing misinformation to thrive not only hurts users but damages the platform’s reputation and seriously hinders democratic nations’ ability to communicate with their citizens.TikTok: Ensuring a safe space for younger audiences
TikTok’s appeal to younger audiences means it has an even greater obligation to create a safe online space. However, the platform has struggled with inappropriate content, dangerous challenges, and cyberbullying incidents involving minors. Since TikTok serves a large population of teens and children, it's crucial that they enforce stricter content moderation and provide resources for young users to report harmful content and get support when they need it. By prioritizing safety and setting higher standards, TikTok can create a positive space for creative expression without exposing young users to risks.
The responsibility of social media platforms extends beyond simply maintaining user engagement; they must also foster a safe, enjoyable environment. Platforms that fail to provide these spaces not only risk losing users but also allow harmful behaviors and misinformation to proliferate. If social media companies want to maintain relevance, they need to prioritize user safety and take real action to protect their communities. Or, they risk losing users (like me) altogether.
