We hope this message finds you well and engaged in the ongoing pursuit of a more just and inclusive society. The Horry County Democratic Party (HCDP) has always been committed to fostering an open and accessible platform for all citizens to participate in local political affairs. Our activists have worked tirelessly to break down historical prejudices, expand access to decision-making processes, and ensure that every voice, regardless of background, has a chance to be heard.
Over the years, the HCDP has successfully represented the diversity of Horry County, bringing together individuals from different races, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, ages, and orientations. However, we find it imperative to address recent developments in the social media landscape, particularly our decision to distance ourselves from the platform formerly known as Twitter, now rebranded as X.
X’s transformation began in October 2022 when it was acquired by Elon Musk. Since then, the platform has experienced a decline in its user base and faced criticism for various reasons. Advertisers have left in large numbers, attributing their departure to Musk’s actions and concerns about the association with the X brand. We share these concerns and wish to elaborate on why we have chosen to leave the platform.
Firstly, the shift from Twitter to X has been marked by a notable decline in the quality of user experience. The platform, once considered a diverse space for various communities, has undergone changes that compromised its usability, functionality, and impact on users’ mental well-being. The introduction of paid subscription badges, the sale of verification badges, and a general decrease in moderation have all contributed to a toxic environment.
Moreover, the ownership structure of X has raised eyebrows, with the second-largest shareholder being Prince Alwaleed bin Talal from the Saudi family. Concerns about disinformation, fake news, and hate speech running rampant on the platform have become more prevalent in recent weeks. Changes in X’s policies have further weakened enforcement against violent on-platform speech, making it less conducive to healthy debate and information-sharing.
NPR’s departure from X in October 2023 had negligible effects on its traffic, indicating that alternative platforms are viable options. The emergence of Threads, run by Meta, as a competitor to X underscores the importance of exploring alternatives for meaningful engagement.
Elon Musk’s controversial actions, including amplifying antisemitic conspiracy theories and allowing hate speech to go unmoderated, have raised moral qualms. Despite Democratic candidates spending over $1 million on political ads on X, concerns about its owner’s actions and the platform’s deteriorating state led us to question our association with it.
In conclusion, the decision to leave X is rooted in our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of diversity, inclusion, and a safe online community. We believe in fostering meaningful conversations and spreading a positive message, which we feel is no longer achievable on the current platform.
We remain dedicated to connecting with you through alternative platforms that align with our values. Our commitment to improving lives, promoting Democratic principles, and broadening voter participation continues undeterred.
