Several factors contribute to the continued usage of X (formerly Twitter) despite widespread complaints about Elon Musk’s role in the US government. First, X remains one of the largest and most influential social media platforms, providing a significant reach that is hard to replicate elsewhere. For many users, especially businesses, public figures, and media outlets, abandoning X could mean losing a vital communication and marketing tool.
Second, the network effect plays a crucial role; people tend to remain on platforms where their friends, family, and audience are present. Shifting to another platform en masse is challenging without a critical mass adopting the new platform at the same time, which hasn’t yet happened on a significant scale.
Third, inertia and habituation are powerful, as people often continue using platforms that they have invested time in learning and customizing. Changing platforms requires both effort and transitioning to alternative services that might not provide the same features or user experience.
Additionally, some users may distinguish between Musk’s personal actions or affiliations and the platform’s utility, focusing on its broader societal benefits, such as spreading awareness and organizing social movements. Lastly, while some criticisms may exist, users may weigh these against their personal needs and determine that those issues do not outweigh the platform’s perceived benefits.
