Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has unveiled plans for a "major update" to the platform's algorithm. The current algorithm primarily showcases popular and trending posts from a user's wider network on the For You feed, incorporating content from both well-known accounts and those the user follows.
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This illustration photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows the Twitter bird logo upside down in the background of Elon Musk's screen advertising an "X" as a replacement logo, in Los Angeles. Elon Musk killed off the Twitter logo on July 24, 2023, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X as the tycoon accelerates his efforts to transform the floundering social media giant.
More Inclusive Algorithm?
However, Musk's announcement signals a shift towards a more inclusive algorithm that will highlight posts from smaller accounts, expanding users' exposure beyond their immediate social circle.
Elon Musk emphasized that the upcoming algorithm update aims to feature posts and accounts from users' networks that extend beyond their established "friends and follows."
This strategic move is designed to introduce users to new accounts that align with their interests but may have gone unnoticed. The emphasis on surfacing content from smaller creators aligns with Musk's broader vision of transforming X into a robust creator platform.
The overarching goal is to empower creators to cultivate their audience on X and subsequently monetize their content through a combination of ad revenue sharing and subscription models.
Musk envisions a platform where smaller creators can gain visibility and connect with a wider audience, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and discovery.
Elon Musk's statement on the matter reads: "A major update to the recommendation algorithm is rolling out over the next few days. This will help surface smaller accounts and posts outside of your friend-follows network. As always, this will be made open source and undergo continuous improvement."
X's Content Moderators
In related news, reports indicate that Elon Musk's X currently employs only 2,294 content moderators, a substantially lower number compared to platforms like YouTube, Google Play, and TikTok.
According to data submitted last September in compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act, YouTube boasts 16,974 content moderators, Google Play has 7,319, and TikTok employs 6,125 moderators.
This revelation has raised concerns among regulators, who anticipate pressure on X to increase its moderation workforce to align with industry standards.
The European Union's Digital Services Act mandates that social media platforms take more proactive measures in addressing illegal and harmful content.
The reported disparity in the number of content moderators raises questions about X's capacity to effectively monitor and regulate content, especially considering the recent layoffs in the moderation team.
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