Social network X, formerly known as Twitter, has resumed displaying headlines for news articles posted on the social network. This is a reversal of owner Elon Musk's bizarre move to hide news articles this fall.
Over the weekend, X users noticed that news article headlines were restored when the link was posted to the platform.
Last August, Musk said the decision to remove the headline, which took effect in October, “came directly from me” and that it would “significantly improve the look.”
Musk said removing the headline would “help reduce clickbait” against X. Musk also reportedly tried to reduce the height of his posts so that more content could fit on the screen.
However, the change was widely criticized as users of the platform complained that removing the headlines made it difficult to determine what the news stories were about.
In the past, Musk has expressed disdain for links posted on X, saying they drive people away from the app. He also said that X's algorithm deprioritizes links.
“That's what Elon wants.” Sources told Fortune magazine in August Prior to October's move, “they were run by advertisers who didn't like it, and that's what it is.”
Under Musk, who acquired the company then known as Twitter for $44 billion in late 2022, the platform introduced sweeping changes to its content moderation policies and employees.
Musk has laid off nearly 80% of the staff he inherited when he bought the company.
He also slammed media organizations he considers “woke,” including the New York Times.
Financial services firm Fidelity, part of the investment group that helped Mr. Musk buy Twitter and take it private, recently announced that Company X is worth 71% less than the $44 billion the Tesla mogul paid for the company.
In late November, several companies announced they would stop advertising on X after liberal watchdog Media Matters for America accused the platform of promoting pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic content. did.
At a technology and business conference in New York, Musk lashed out at Disney and others who left the platform, calling them “fuck you.”
The New York Times reported in late November that Company X could lose as much as $75 million due to advertiser loss.
The Post has reached out to Mr. X for comment.
