On with Kara Swisher

Will Elon Musk Turn Twitter Into Yahoo Mail?

7 snips
May 18, 2023
Zoë Schiffer, managing editor of Platformer, and Ryan Mac, tech reporter at The New York Times, dive into Twitter's transformation under Elon Musk. They discuss how the platform's shift from a global public square to a government-compliant entity affects its relevance. With Musk's controversial decisions, users feel disillusioned as censorship rises. The duo also explores the challenges facing Twitter's new ad chief, Linda Yaccarino, as she navigates a chaotic landscape while trying to balance advertiser relationships in a subscription-driven model.
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ANECDOTE

Twitter's Appeal

  • Despite not offering the highest salaries, Twitter attracted idealists who believed in its mission of fostering civic discourse and democracy.
  • The company's culture under Jack Dorsey, although sometimes seen as distracted, prioritized work-life balance.
ANECDOTE

Overcorrection in Content Moderation

  • Twitter overcorrected in content moderation around 2021, leading to mass account bans, partly due to limited tools.
  • This overcorrection stemmed from legitimate concerns about the platform's role in events like the January 6th insurrection.
INSIGHT

Decline of Twitter

  • Twitter has lost relevance and reliability due to a chaotic algorithm and increased porn.
  • The platform feels less reliable now, with many prominent figures moving to alternatives.
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