7 in 10 Support Musk’s Twitter Acquisition

Having fought and negotiated for months, Elon Musk has taken control of Twitter, leading one of the biggest social media networks in the world.

After his acquisition, he inaugurated Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters by carrying a porcelain sink and tweeting, “Entering Twitter HQ – let that sink in!” A day later, he added, “the bird is freed.”

At the time Musk launched his hostile takeover attempt to buy Twitter, he said he wanted to improve the company’s free speech policies. Since Musk claims to favor more “free speech,” society have speculated that he might ease Twitter’s content moderation guidelines, which primarily apply to removing violence, hate speech, and other offensive material from the site.

A survey launched by Real Research, an online survey app, attempted to gather opinions about the concerns rising regarding the direction of Twitter’s content moderation and the racial slur surge following Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover.

9 in 10 Are Aware of Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover

Thus, leaving only 9.01% unaware of Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover in a $44B deal.

Musk discussed the reasons for wanting to acquire Twitter– the main reason being the social media platform should be an open ‘public space’ to enable freedom of speech, safeguard democracy, etc. The survey shows these reasons behind Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover are highly justified for 55.75% of respondents.

A further 17.73% see the cause as somewhat justified, and only 3.42% find it unjustified.

Highlights:

• 87.07% believe inappropriate remarks and comments on Twitter can pose “cyber-social threats”
• 68.07% are for regulations and regulatory bodies monitoring the content on social media platforms
• About 7 in 10 support Elon Musk’s Twitter acquisition

2 in 5 Have Participated in Hate Speech on Twitter

The survey then asks if respondents believe the social media platform will be more ‘open,’ ‘public,’ or ‘democratic’ for users after Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover. In response, 38.09% expect it to be highly likely, and 18.51% believe it is somewhat likely. In contrast, 10.15% think it is unlikely for Twitter.

Since Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, there have been reports of an increase in racial trolls, slurs, and offensive comments. Surprisingly, 40.02% of respondents have actively participated in it. The rest have either seen it (28.26%) or heard of it (19.72%). 12.01% are unaware of it.

Free Speech Poses Cyber Social and Security Threats

According to the Princeton-based Network Contagion Research Institute, inappropriate remarks and comments on Twitter can pose “cyber-social threats.” The majority (87.07%) similarly, believe the same. The rest feel that Twitter has always been a threat regardless of the negative comments circulating (6.02%) and that the internet itself is the threat (2.57%).

Advertisers, in particular, have already held off from posting promotional content, despite Musk’s assuring that Twitter will be the ‘most respected’ advertising platform.

The survey asks its respondents what they think could be the reason for it. In response to this, 62.39% say there is a possible negative connotation with questionable content. 18.54% say there could be counter-reactions, and 9.28% cite a probable drop in revenue.

Free Speech on Twitter

News after Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover has divided communities, separating those who advocate for unfettered free speech, like Musk, and those who believe that some platforms possess too much power and influence.

Similarly, the survey asks about respondents’ stance on regulatory bodies monitoring the content of social media platforms. 68.07% are for regulations, while 31.93% are against them and demand free speech for all, like Musk.

Nevertheless, in another survey, most respondents feel highly safe using social media platforms.

Lastly, respondents share their views when asked, “are you for or against Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover?” About 7 in 10 support his acquisition, while the rest (27.36%) oppose it.

Also Read: Survey on Twitter’s Blue Check Confusion Post-Musk’s Takeover