Elon Musk is reportedly planning significant changes to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Among the proposed updates are the removal of date stamps from posts and the introduction of an $8 sign-up fee for new users. These changes reflect Musk’s ongoing efforts to reshape the platform’s functionality and revenue model, though they have already sparked concerns from both staff and users.
The End of Post Dates on X?
One of the most notable changes being considered is the removal of date stamps from posts in the main timeline. While dates would still be visible when users click on individual posts, the main feed would lose this essential contextual feature. Musk’s motivation behind this change is reportedly to enhance the platform’s aesthetics, following his philosophy that “every pixel counts.”
However, many X employees have expressed concerns about the potential confusion this could cause. Without dates, users would lose the ability to track conversations in real-time, which could exacerbate misinformation. Since most users do not click on individual posts, the removal of dates could leave them without crucial context. This feature has been a staple of Twitter’s design since its inception, and its removal would significantly alter how users interact with content. There is no guarantee this change will be implemented, as Musk has a history of testing design tweaks before reversing them.
Introducing the $8 Sign-Up Fee
In addition to the design change, Musk is considering implementing an $8 fee for all new users signing up for X. This fee would include one free month of X Premium and aims to reduce bot accounts while boosting X’s revenue. Musk has described this approach as “the only way” to make X profitable, particularly as its advertising revenue has declined sharply since his takeover.
This isn’t the first time Musk has experimented with user fees. Previous tests in countries like the Philippines and New Zealand introduced a nominal $1 fee for new users as a bot-fighting measure. However, the proposed $8 fee marks a more direct effort to improve X’s finances. With advertisers fleeing the platform due to concerns over hate speech and offensive content, X is exploring alternative revenue streams.
‘X’ in Transition
Since Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022, the platform has undergone significant transformations, including drastic staff cuts and changes to its moderation policies. These moves have led to criticism, with many accusing Musk of prioritizing aesthetics and cost-cutting over user experience and safety. The upcoming updates may address some of X’s challenges, but they risk alienating existing users in the process. Only time will tell if these changes will help X thrive or further drive users away.
