The Death of Social Media
The allure of X, formerly known as Twitter, has officially waned.
Journalists, once reliant on it for sourcing, networking, and even inspiration, have begun abandoning the platform in droves. The very nature of X, devoid of the organic serendipity that once defined Twitter, has left many feeling disillusioned and detached.
"I feel like Twitter back in the day was everything for journalists and writers: a job board, a source of ideas, a diary," confessed P.E. Moskowitz, a writer and newsletter editor known for their wit and keen insights. Now, they rely on publications like the New York Times, recognizing that even in its structures may not be perfect, it delivers deeper context and nuanced reporting. "
But the decline isn’t just about X. It’s about the media landscape itself; a landscape that increasingly prioritizes speed and engagement, where complaints about tweet-worthy sound bites hold more weight than well-researched reporting, and whisper networks and digital social connections feel more genuine than actual interactions.
For Delia Cai, whose Substack newsletter Keith Spreads the hippo, encapsulates the evolving online world, the lack of genuine connection is palpable. "It was a free orientation tool for the industry," she said. Today, connecting with other writers and editors requires more intentionality.
"
For those who worked freelance, the platform offered more than just social interaction. X was a treasure trove of potential stories. Leah Finnegan, former editor of Gawker 2.0, often discovered new voices and up-and-coming writers.
Now, the seams are showing.
"I stopped posting there," said Maria Bustillos, connoisseur of all things old journalism vibes. "But I kept my account because I had been told that if you erase it, somebody can pick up your handle and start posting as you." The entire Instagram had become an echo chamber of curated opinions, lacking the vibrancy and spontaneous conversations that once fueled the platform.
While publications like the New York Times are boasting record subscriptions, the foundations of journalism are shifting. Editors who once relied on Twitter to gauge public sentiment are now relying on alternative platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky. Database research
, in-depth sourcing, and relationship building have become the new currency, and the race is on. "
Is it the end of an era? Perhaps not. Maybe, like doomed Matt Gaetz, it’s just moved on.
* Is the decline of social media directly associated with a loss of trust in mainstream journalism?
## The Death of Social Media: An Interview
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into a topic that’s been making headlines: the apparent demise of social media, particularly the exodus from platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter. To help us understand what’s happening, we have [Guest Name], a [Guest Credentials/Expertise] . Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The allure of platforms like X seems to have significantly waned. Many journalists, who were once heavily reliant on it, are now leaving in droves. What’s driving this shift?
**Guest:** There are several factors at play. Platform changes to X have certainly alienated many users, particularly journalists who relied on its organic nature for sourcing, networking, and even finding inspiration. As P.E. Moskowitz, a writer and newsletter editor, recently noted, “[Quote from P.E. Moskowitz about Twitter’s past and present]” [[1](https://medium.com/@enchantedevara/the-social-media-exodus-why-more-people-are-deleting-their-accounts-85a163b51321)].
**Host:** So, it’s not just about the platform itself, but a larger shift in the media landscape?
**Guest:** Absolutely. People are becoming increasingly aware of the downsides of social media – the echo chambers, the spread of misinformation, the impact on mental health. There’s a growing movement of individuals, including journalists, reclaiming their time and seeking out more meaningful connections, both online and offline. [[1](https://medium.com/@enchantedevara/the-social-media-exodus-why-more-people-are-deleting-their-accounts-85a163b51321)]
**Host:** Where are these journalists turning to now?
**Guest:**
Many are returning to more traditional sources like established publications. As P.E. Moskowitz also mentioned, even with their imperfections, these outlets often provide deeper context and nuanced reporting that’s often lacking on social media. They’re also exploring alternative platforms and fostering communities through newsletters and other direct communication channels.
**Host:**
Interesting. What does this mean for the future of journalism and how we consume news?
**Guest:** It’s definitely a time of evolution. We may see a shift towards more curated and trusted sources of information. Journalists will need to adapt, finding new ways to connect with audiences and build trust in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
**Host:**
[Guest Name], thank you so much for your insights. This is certainly a conversation that will continue to evolve. To our viewers, what are your thoughts on the “death of social media”? Share your opinions in the comments below.