Why Black Users Are Leaving X Amid Bots, Harassment, and Political Ads
Black Twitter, the vibrant online community that shaped conversations around culture, politics, and social justice, is facing an uncertain future as more users leave X (formerly Twitter). The platform’s changing policies, increased harassment, and politicization under Elon Musk’s leadership have prompted many users, including a significant number of Black voices, to migrate to alternative platforms like Bluesky, Threads, and Spill.
The Rise and Influence of Black Twitter
Black Twitter, an unofficial network of users connected through shared cultural experiences, has been a cornerstone of internet culture. Through hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter, #SayHerName, and #OscarsSoWhite, it has mobilized social movements and elevated discussions around critical issues. Beyond activism, it has been a space for humor, live-tweeting pop culture events, and fostering a sense of community.
“Black Twitter is one of the most important forms of community that made the platform what it was,” said Ashon Crawley, a professor of African American studies. But as X evolves, this cultural hub may be dissolving, leaving its members searching for a new digital home.
The Exodus from X
Since Musk’s acquisition of X in 2022, the platform has experienced a rise in hate speech, partisan content, and disruptive changes, such as a new policy that uses all user posts to train AI systems. These shifts have alienated many users, particularly Black communities. Over 115,000 accounts deactivated in a single day following the 2024 presidential election, marking the highest drop since Musk’s takeover.
For users like Joella Still, a former X user, Musk’s involvement in Donald Trump’s campaign and the platform’s transformation into a right-wing echo chamber made staying untenable. “I just can’t contribute to something that is part of my demise,” she said.
Bluesky and the Search for a New Community
Bluesky, an emerging text-based app, has become a popular refuge for those leaving X. Known for its safety features and user-friendly interface, it offers tools like community-focused moderation lists and anti-harassment protections that resonate with users seeking a more inclusive space.
Pariss Chandler, founder of Black Tech Pipeline, praised Bluesky’s welcoming environment, saying it provides something X no longer offers: a sense of safety and belonging. Meanwhile, technologist Rudy Fraser has spearheaded efforts to re-create aspects of Black Twitter on Bluesky through “Blacksky,” a curated feed focused on inclusivity and cultural engagement.
Although Black Twitter as it existed may not be fully replicable, Fraser believes its essence can live on in new forms. “I have taken a lot of inspiration and learnings from what was done,” he said.
Challenges and Opportunities for a New Era
Platforms like Threads and the Black-owned site Spill are also gaining traction as alternative spaces for Black communities. However, building a network as impactful as Black Twitter will require more than migration; it will depend on fostering the organic, unfiltered conversations that made it unique.
While some users like Chandler plan to maintain a limited presence on X, others are ready to move on entirely. “Those of us who make up Black Twitter will just end up going to different social media platforms and re-creating the good parts of what we had,” said Jonathan Johnson, a longtime X user who has transitioned to Bluesky.
A Legacy That Lives On
Whether on Bluesky, Threads, or Spill, the influence of Black Twitter will continue to shape digital spaces. As its members find new platforms to call home, the community’s legacy of innovation, activism, and cultural dialogue will remain a vital part of the internet’s fabric.
