Credit: Harun Ozalp/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Elon Musk has made another change to X, the social media platform he owns, and not everyone is pleased. On Wednesday, users noticed that X no longer displays headlines or subheader text from shared links. Instead, it only showcases the header image, with the domain shown as a watermark-like overlay in the lower left corner.
In simpler terms, when users share a link, X no longer provides any context about the article being shared unless the poster includes it in the text.
Reporter Kylie Robison, who covered X’s plan to make this change in August, posted a comparison to illustrate the difference between how links were displayed before and after the adjustment.
Musk himself took responsibility for this change, stating, “This is coming from me directly. Will greatly improve the esthetics,” two months ago. However, many users disagree with this alteration and have criticized it on the platform.
Some users have even used the new format to spread disinformation, exploiting the lack of contextual information for their own purposes.
According to Robison, X employees also dislike the change, and the alteration seems to contradict the platform’s aim of keeping users engaged.
Musk’s attitude towards the media and his defense of the change indicate his resistance to criticism. However, this change particularly affects news media, a significant user base on the platform.
Unfortunately, the link display change seems to be enforced, except for users who haven’t updated their iOS or Android app, and thus still see the old link display format.
Currently, it seems the change is here to stay, unless Musk decides on yet another alternative to display links.
Topics
Social Media
Twitter
Elon Musk
