Academic exodus from Twitter follows Musk's takeover in 2024
- A study of over 15,000 academic accounts revealed a significant drop in engagement after Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022.
- Mass layoffs, changes in verification, and reinstated accounts contributed to academics feeling less secure on the platform.
- The overall findings indicate that many academics either abandoned Twitter or reduced their usage due to these substantial shifts in platform dynamics.
In 2022, following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion, researchers at the European University Institute in Italy investigated the impact on academic engagement. Using a sample of over 15,000 academic accounts from social science fields, they observed a significant decline in the number of active accounts, as well as reduced engagement from those who remained. The study identified various changes caused by Musk's ownership, including staff layoffs, the reinstatement of previously suspended accounts, and changes to Twitter's verification process, which contributed to a negative user experience. These developments led to a notable exodus of academics from the platform. Additionally, a separate study highlighted that the new verification system had resulted in increased polarization among users, facilitating the creation of echo chambers within the platform. This situation has raised concerns about the influence of verified users on information dissemination and public opinion dynamics, further complicating the social media landscape for academics and researchers alike.