Musk and X: Impartial social network or political tool in the 2024 elections?

The recent increase in the use of platform X, formerly known as Twitter, during the United States presidential elections has sparked an intense debate about the influence of social media on modern politics. Elon Musk, the owner of X, has claimed that the platform experienced record usage, highlighting its role as a space for public debate and a source of real-time information during critical moments. According to Musk, political interest has driven this growth, reflecting X's relevance as a communication tool.

However, this assertion has been called into question by a study conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), which suggests that the increase in platform activity may not be as organic as presented. Researchers have pointed out that X's algorithm may have been modified to favor Musk's posts and those of certain candidates, raising doubts about the impartiality of the social network.

According to the information provided by Musk, mobile use of X reached historic peaks, surpassing 6 billion seconds of interaction in a single day during the elections. While he celebrates these numbers as a triumph, critics warn that this data could be manipulated to give a misleading impression of the platform's neutrality. A 138% increase in views of Musk's account since July 2024 draws attention to the potential bias in promoting his posts.

CCDH's analysis reveals that the billionaire's political posts have accumulated over 17.1 billion views in the same period. This phenomenon not only calls into question the fairness of the platform but also suggests that Musk may be using his influence to push a clear political agenda, openly supporting Donald Trump while minimizing the voices of his opponents.

Moreover, Musk's misleading claims about the elections have generated considerable echo on the platform, accumulating billions of views. His rhetoric, which includes debunked conspiracy theories, has captured users' attention and contributed to the spread of misinformation. According to a recent report, at least 87 of his posts this year have been rated as false or misleading by fact-checkers.

The relationship between Musk and Trump has evolved over time, from cautious support to open and financial backing. Musk has donated billions to initiatives favoring the former president, in addition to using X to amplify his message and mobilize voters. This connection has led some to question the extent to which the platform can be considered a neutral space for democratic discourse.

In this context, the reform of X under Musk's leadership has come under scrutiny. While he maintains that his goal is to promote freedom of speech, interventions in the algorithm and explicit support for a particular candidate are raising concerns about the use of the social network as a political weapon. Critics argue that X, far from being an impartial forum, has become a vehicle for business and political interests.

The debate about Musk's influence on politics through X intensifies in light of the possibility that a single figure can shape public discourse and electoral outcomes. This raises profound questions about the role of social media in contemporary democracy and the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals.

While some view Musk as a pioneer in promoting freedom of expression, others argue that his actions may have harmful consequences for democratic discourse. The line between information and misinformation has become increasingly blurred, and the responsibility of a businessman like Musk in this landscape is a topic of discussion.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the future of X and its influence on American politics will remain a hot topic. The implications of the relationship between Musk and Trump could define the political landscape and the way electoral campaigns unfold, leaving voters with the fundamental question: are we truly the media, or are we simply being guided by the narratives of those who hold power on platforms like X?