‘X’: Trustworthy or Worth Trusting?

In today’s turmoil and perpetual chaos, physical newspapers have become redundant, and people prefer on-the-go news online. In the wake of this, people now resort to social media, specifically relying on X (formerly Twitter) to get the latest news updates, say some new sturies.

‘X,’ now a news platform?

Several studies have been published regarding the various ways people use social media. Be it sharing a part of their lives online or sharing funny content they find. Furthermore, right up to their distinct opinions on the news they read online. Elon Musk’s X is a platform that people are now resorting to for news updates. Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry, has often criticized mainstream news platforms. Besides, claiming that they provide an untrue and biased outlook most of the time. His influence and the potential conflicts of interest that arise from his role as both a news consumer. Moreover, a news producer raise questions about the credibility of ‘X’ as a news platform.

“Community Notes”: A medium to combat misinformation?

In July 2023, he renamed his popular platform from ‘Twitter’ to ‘X’ and sought to convert it into a reliable news resource. X has launched a ‘Community Notes’ section that aims to create an informed world by empowering people on X. However, to add context to potentially misleading posts online collaboratively. Here’s how it works: if many contributors leave notes (either positive or negative) on a particular post, then X flags that note publicly.

However, it’s important to note that this is a transparent and open process, and the ‘Community Notes’ algorithm is available to all via GitHub, along with the data required to power it so that it’s accessible for anyone to audit, analyze, or suggest improvements. While this is a significant step on X’s part to combat and end the spread of misinformation, it’s not foolproof. A note can only be flagged if there’s a consensus, which is not always possible, leaving room for potential misinformation to slip through.

Another public stunt to gain trust?

Although X has been trying to promote itself as a resource for online news content, research has proven that ‘Community Notes’ isn’t adequate to put an end to misinformation, mainly because a consensus is required for a note to flag in the first place, which is not going to be possible most of the time. Here, the question arises that if ‘Community Notes’ is presented as a solution by X. Furthermore, then they have the upper hand in validating the claims they choose to propagate. Would Musk’s posts get a Community Note when something he says is incorrect? By reframing X as a news source, they have better control over media narratives. However, it’s also worth noting that X’s transparency and open process. Moreover, along with the availability of the ‘Community Notes’ algorithm and data. However, are commendable steps towards combating misinformation.

In the wake of this, Pew Research recently published an overview of how people use social media to access news online, and the results speak for themselves.

Meta’s Threads has also tried entering this territory. The difference is that they steer away from politics in an effort to build a positive experience for the user. That’s the main reason it’s lost a lot of audience that it could have gained otherwise, making it less sought after. Thus, even though they provide entertainment and sports-related news. Moreover, with political stories taking a backseat, it has left X as a source that people run to now. This shift in audience preference could have significant implications for the media landscape. Furthermore, as it suggests a growing demand for news platforms that offer a more personalized and interactive news experience.

Influencers now correspondents?

Pews’ survey highlighted the various sources through which U.S. consumers get their news. However, in an alarming turn of events, influencers or celebrities and the news media ranked equally as news sources. This is a significant shift in the news consumption landscape. Further, with influencers gaining credibility and influence in the realm of news. Besides, influencers were more likely to be cited as sources for news and information rather than actual news media. This trend raises concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the news shared by influencers. Moreover, as they may not have the same level of fact-checking and journalistic standards as traditional news media.

Influencers: Fame, Fake or Fluke?

It’s disheartening to see how easily people believe everything they see online instead of basing their trust on empirical evidence or a reliable source. The visible switch and evolution that news media has seen in India. Besides, leaves you questioning who and what you can or cannot trust. Moreover, With people scrolling away on social media for hours, people seem easily susceptible to relying on less researched. Besides, less factual, and sometimes even unreliable sources of news and information.

Although efforts are being made by some vigilant influencers who voice their concerns and try to educate their audience. Furthermore, it seems like a long haul but a much-needed one! In this context, it’s crucial for individuals to develop critical thinking skills. However, to verify the information they come across on social media before accepting it as true. This can be done by cross-checking with multiple sources, fact-checking organizations, or consulting trusted news outlets.