Britain’s The Guardian newspaper announced on Wednesday that it would cease posting content on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), calling the site a “toxic media platform” rife with “often disturbing content.” The move marks a significant shift for the left-leaning publication, which has nearly 11 million followers on the platform.
In a statement posted on its website, The Guardian explained that after careful consideration, it had concluded that the negative aspects of being on X outweighed the benefits. “We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives,” the paper stated. “Our resources could be better used promoting our journalism elsewhere.”
The paper pointed to the prevalence of far-right conspiracy theories, racism, and the spread of harmful content as key reasons for its decision. “This is something we have been considering for a while,” The Guardian said, adding that the recent US presidential election only reinforced these concerns, with the platform becoming a battleground for divisive political rhetoric.
The statement went on to criticize Musk’s handling of X, stating that his influence has played a role in shaping political discourse in ways that the paper finds troubling. “X is a toxic media platform,” The Guardian said, referencing Musk’s ownership of the platform since his $44 billion purchase in 2022. The billionaire’s controversial actions and posts during the US election, including his public support for former President Donald Trump, have drawn sharp criticism.
Though The Guardian has archived its main X account, the paper emphasized that users would still be able to share its articles through the platform, and that the organization would occasionally embed content from X in its reporting. However, it clarified that it would no longer actively post from its official accounts.
The move highlights growing concerns among media organizations about the role of social media platforms in shaping public discourse. While The Guardian acknowledged the importance of social media in reaching new audiences, it concluded that X no longer plays a significant role in promoting its work.
X, which has become a central node in global political discussions, faces mounting scrutiny over its moderation policies and its handling of controversial content. Musk’s involvement in the platform has further intensified debates about the intersection of social media, politics, and media responsibility.
