In a decisive move, The Guardian recently stopped publishing on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting shifts in how media organizations navigate social media. This choice raises important questions about journalism, ethics, and the educator’s role in promoting media literacy and responsible digital citizenship. BBC
We will stop posting from our official editorial accounts on the platform, but X users can still share our articles.
We wanted to let readers know that we will no longer post on any official Guardian editorial accounts on the social media site X (formerly Twitter). We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives and that resources could be better used promoting our journalism elsewhere.
This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism. The US presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse. X users will still be able to share our articles, and the nature of live news reporting means we will still occasionally embed content from X within our article pages. The Guardian
Key Reasons for the Exit
- Platform Concerns: The prevalence of harmful content, such as conspiracy theories and racism, on X reflects a broader issue of social media toxicity. For educators, this is a chance to teach students about the risks within digital ecosystems and the need for critical engagement.
- Political Influence: Allegations of X’s influence over U.S. election discourse underscore the potential dangers of corporate sway in democratic processes. This offers educators an opportunity to discuss how platform ownership can shape public dialogue and what that means for media ethics and democracy.
- Diminishing Returns: The Guardian notes that X’s value as a distribution channel has waned, aligning with trends toward direct engagement via subscriptions and websites. This trend invites reflection on how evolving media habits affect journalism and what it means for readers seeking trustworthy sources.
Other Media Outlets Following Suit
Several major outlets are also reassessing their social media strategies:
- NPR left Twitter after a “state-affiliated media” label, showcasing the importance of reputation and trust. Politico
- The BBC uses social media more for content discovery than engagement, a cautious response to misinformation risks. BBC
- PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): Following NPR’s decision, PBS also ceased activity on Twitter in April 2023 after receiving a similar “state-affiliated media” label
- The New York Times: While not completely leaving the platform, The New York Times stopped posting to its main Twitter account for about a week in April 2023 in protest of Twitter’s policy changes regarding verified accounts. The Washington post.
- CBC/Radio-Canada: Canada’s national public broadcaster suspended its activities on Twitter in June 2023, citing concerns over the platform’s new “government-funded media” labels. PBC
Lessons for Educators: Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship
The Guardian’s decision is a real-time case study for educators, emphasizing:
- Critical Evaluation of Sources: This event challenges students to evaluate where they get their news and how platform incentives may skew credibility.
- Understanding Platform Algorithms: Discussing the role of algorithms in shaping newsfeeds builds awareness of how social media impacts content discovery.
- Ethical Social Media Use: Educators can guide students in navigating polarized platforms with an ethical lens, understanding when and where to engage.
Educators Flock to BlueSky: A New Haven for Thoughtful Social Media Engagement
annmichaelsen.com/2024/11/14/t… @washingtonpost.com @nytimes.com @guardian.extwitter.link @bbcnews-uk-rss.bsky.social
— annmic13.bsky.social (@annmic13.bsky.social) November 14, 2024 at 12:26 PM
The Guardian’s move to reevaluate its social media strategy is not an isolated event. Many news organizations, as well as educators, are reconsidering their presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), in light of the evolving media landscape and concerns over misinformation and platform biases. Interestingly, a significant portion of educators have shifted to BlueSky, a decentralized social media platform that offers a more controlled and moderated environment compared to other networks. BlueSky has become an increasingly popular space for educators seeking a community-focused platform where thoughtful discussions on media literacy, journalism ethics, and digital citizenship can thrive without the distractions often found on more mainstream platforms.
For educators, this transition reflects a broader trend of reevaluating the ethical and educational implications of being present on social media. BlueSky provides a more balanced platform for educators to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas, making it an important space for those involved in media literacy and digital citizenship education. By leveraging platforms like BlueSky, educators can engage in a more deliberate and reflective manner, teaching students not just how to consume media responsibly, but also how to create a healthier, more ethical information ecosystem.
You can learn more about BlueSky here: https://bsky.app.
Final Thoughts
The Guardian’s choice is a teachable moment in media responsibility, integrity, and the role of direct engagement over viral distribution. Educators can use this case to foster a new generation of discerning, responsible digital citizens who think critically about their media consumption and the platforms they support.