Some Tesla buyers are reportedly ditching their purchases of electric vehicles due to CEO Elon Musk's trolling behavior on social media.
According to a recent CNET report, the toll of Musk's turbulent leadership style, while simultaneously splitting his time, appears to be taking its toll on his other companies.
The world's second-richest person is also the CEO of electric car manufacturer Tesla and rocket company SpaceX.
Tesla and SpaceX Now Impacted
The report cites several instances where Musk has engaged in controversial or inflammatory behavior on platforms such as Twitter, including making fun of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions, spreading misinformation about the pandemic, and promoting conspiracy theories.
While Musk has long been known for his unconventional personality and penchant for stirring up controversy, some Tesla buyers reportedly find his behavior a deal breaker. According to the CNET report, some buyers have even returned their Tesla vehicles after learning about Musk's actions on social media.
The report also notes that Musk's behavior could seriously affect Tesla's reputation and financial success. While the company has enjoyed significant growth and success in recent years, Musk's trolling could turn off potential customers and damage the company's image.
Polling His Way Out
On Sunday, Dec. 18, Elon Musk took to Twitter to initiate a poll asking users whether he should step down as CEO of the platform. The poll received a staggering number of votes, with over 17.5 million accounts participating. When the poll closed early Monday morning, 57% of those who voted said that Musk should step down as CEO.
In response to the poll results, Musk tweeted that he would abide by the vote and step down as CEO of Twitter. However, as the company's primary owner, he will still have a say in how it is run. Musk still needs to indicate who he is considering as a potential replacement.
Should I step down as head of Twitter? I will abide by the results of this poll.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2022
Following the poll's surprise outcome, he tweets: "As the saying goes, be careful what you wish, as you might get it." And then there's this: "Those who want power are the ones who least deserve it."
The poll results and Musk's response have sparked widespread discussion and speculation about the future of Twitter and Musk's role within the company. Some have praised the decision, arguing that it shows that Musk is willing to listen to his users' concerns and make changes in response. Others have criticized the poll as a publicity stunt or questioned whether it was a legitimate way to determine the company's future leadership.
Regardless of the motivations behind the poll, it is clear that it has generated significant attention and sparked important conversations about the role of social media and the responsibilities of those who lead these platforms.
It remains unclear how this situation will play out. Still, Musk's behavior on social media is causing concern for some Tesla buyers and could potentially hurt the company's future.
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