Elon Musk Seriously Considering Making New Social Media App

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is seriously considering making a new social media app. On Saturday, Musk tweeted having “serious thought” on launching a new social media platform. Plus, his app will prioritize free speech and keep propaganda to a minimum.

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Free Speech is Essential

The 51-year old Musk earlier made a series of tweets asking followers to respond to a poll he made. Afterward, he asked the question: “Free speech is essential to a functioning democracy.

Do you believe Twitter rigorously adheres to this principle?”. In particular, Musk warned of the seriousness of his poll, and hinted that the results will produce consequences. “Please vote carefully,” he implored. 

Consequently, More than 2 million people gave their answers to the poll. 70.4% said that Twitter did not adhere to the principle.

Then, he followed up by asking that if Twitter doesn’t support free speech, what should we all do next? “Failing to adhere to free speech principles fundamentally undermines democracy. What should be done? Is a new platform needed?” he asked.

Buy Twitter, Or Create A New Social Media App

Asked about what needs doing, political commentator Mike Cernovic tweeted “Buy Twitter”. “If you’re a leftist making death threats against conservatives. or organizing riots, Twitter respects your freedom of speech.

Twitter also respects the freedom of speech for media hoaxes like when every major outlet framed an innocent Covington high school kid.”

However, Musk replied: “Doesn’t sound very balanced”. Then, he conducted another informal poll asking if “Twitter[’s] algorithm should be open source”. More than 1.1 million people responded to the new poll. 82.7% responded with “Yes”.

Musk went on to explain his hesitancy in supporting Twitter. “I’m worried about de facto bias in ‘the Twitter algorithm’ having a major effect on public discourse. How do we know what’s really happening?”

Why Not Create a New Social Media App

Then, another user asked Musk if would rather create a new social media app instead. “Would you consider building a new social media platform, @elonmusk?”.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO gave his ideal parameters for the app. “One that would consist (of) an open source algorithm. One where free speech and adhering to free speech is given top priority.

One where propaganda is very minimal. I think that kind of a platform is needed”. Finally, Musk emphasized that “Am giving serious thought to this.”

The discourse on freedom of speech started when Musk objected to the censorship of Russian media outlets by social media apps.

In particular, tech companies blocked the Russian press after the country invaded Ukraine. However, Musk didn’t agree with the decision. He also shared that governments wanted him to use Starlink to censor Russian media.  

Free Speech Absolutist

Earlier, Musk gave Ukraine satellite access to the internet in order to remain connected with the world. “Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources,” Musk tweeted. He added: “We will not do so unless at gunpoint. Sorry to be a free speech absolutist.”

Watch the Sky News Australia news video reporting that Elon Musk giving ‘serious thought’ to building the new social media platform:

Will you support a social media app built by Elon Musk?

• Yes, but only if it does come with a guarantee of absolute free speech.
• Yes. Let’s see how Musk can pull off ensuring freedom of speech for everybody.
• No. I think existing social media apps already have this covered.
• No. Actually, we should all delete existing social media and just live meaningful lives with our friends, family, and neighbors.

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Do you agree that the world needs a new social media app with full transparency? Also, do you think an app like that can cause more trouble than it’s worth? 

Tell us what you think about the concept of free speech. Share your comments below.