Surge in Adult Content on X Raises Concerns
The social media network X, currently under the ownership of Elon Musk, is facing a troubling trend of an upsurge in adult content, sparking significant discomfort among users.
Recent Developments Unveil Growing Predicament
What Happened: A Bloomberg report shed light on the increased adult content on X, linking it to a reduction in content moderation by Musk. The influx of explicit material, including promotions for OnlyFans, has escalated to a point where users are feeling uneasy.
Concerns Mount Over Monetization of Explicit Content
X is reportedly contemplating ways to monetize adult content; however, the associated risks, such as potential criminal activities, present a substantial challenge.
Broader Ramifications of Adult Content On X
Why It Matters: The issue of pornographic content on X is not novel. Mashable previously reported X was testing an ‘adult content’ label for X-rated communities. Of particular concern is the platform’s ability to shield minors from explicit content, with reports indicating exposure to online pornography starting at a young age.
Industry-Wide Concerns Pave Way for Regulatory Scrutiny
In a Politico report, X and other platforms were criticized for failing to protect children from adult content. The proliferation of explicit content extends beyond X, prompting platforms like Twitch to revisit their sexual content policies following backlash.
Implications for X and Steps Ahead
To maintain user trust, safeguard its reputation, and combat the growing apprehension surrounding minors’ exposure to explicit material, X must swiftly address these challenges.
Assessment from Benzinga
Benzinga’s Take: While X (formerly Twitter) previously embraced adult content liberally, the current inundation of explicit material and spam surpasses previous levels. The prevalence of pornographic spambots intensifies the dilemma, making public access to the platform a precarious affair.
Although potentially lucrative, the surge in explicit content risks alienating users and advertisers, tarnishing X’s image. The reported removal of content moderation teams has further fueled the proliferation of adult content on the platform.