Thousands of scientists found that more than half of those using X have reduced their usage or left the platform. Almost 50% of participants said they've joined other social networks like Mastodon.
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This photo illustration shows the X logo (formerly Twitter) on a smartphone screen in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2023. San Francisco sent the company formerly known as Twitter a warning on July 31, 2023, that it needed proper permits for the giant, flashing new X sign atop its headquarters, after the tech firm twice refused to let building inspectors check it.
Transitioning to Other Platforms
A survey conducted by Nature, involving thousands of scientists, reveals that over 50% of scientific researchers utilizing X have either curtailed their usage significantly or abandoned the platform entirely.
Additionally, close to 50% of the respondents indicated that they have sought refuge in alternative social networks such as Mastodon.
Among the 9,200 researchers who were surveyed, a significant proportion of over 47 percent acknowledged a reduction in their engagement with the site, with an additional nearly 7 percent opting to completely discontinue their presence on the platform.
Interestingly, a comparable number revealed their initiation of accounts on at least one fresh platform within the past year. Historically, Twitter has held significance as a crucial platform for researchers and scientists. It has functioned as a means to share research findings and stimulate scientific discussions.
Nature survey inquired about alterations in participants' Twitter habits over the preceding six months and the rationale behind these shifts. While the rationales provided by respondents differed, a significant number of those who curtailed or ceased their engagement with X referred to the influence of Musk's administration of the platform.
Numerous participants observed an increase in counterfeit accounts, malicious users, and offensive language on the platform, leading them to alter their interaction patterns. Contrary to Musk's public assertions, researchers have discovered that incidents of hate speech actually escalated following his assumption of control.
Alternative Apps
Among these options, Mastodon, which experienced substantial expansion following Musk's announcement about taking over Twitter, emerged as the most prevalent choice. Approximately, Engadget reported that 47 percent of researchers disclosed their adoption of this open-source platform within the last year.
Following closely were LinkedIn and Instagram, capturing the attention of 35 and 27 percent of researchers respectively. Intriguingly, despite being launched shortly before the Nature survey, Meta's Twitter rival Threads, secured the fourth position in popularity.
Also Read: Meta New Threads App Is Now Available for Download - Should You Leave Twitter?
Cristina Dorador, a microbial ecologist at the University of Antofagasta in Chile, emphasizes the role of the platform in amplifying her research both nationally and internationally. The absence of a universally embraced social media platform akin to X raises concerns for her and fellow researchers.
They face a potential dearth of avenues to enhance the visibility of their work, especially given the resource limitations that many researchers contend with.
Dorador voices skepticism about the prospect of Latin American researchers investing in account verification fees to ensure their publications receive attention, particularly amidst the ongoing changes brought about by X.
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