Experts Weigh in After Musk's X Allows Adult Content Posts

Elon Musk's X recently allowed users to post consensual adult content on the platform, granted the posts are clearly labeled, experts reportedly claim the newest policy is a move that coincides with X's image.

The social networking site cites its decision as a reflection of its faith in adults' right to interact with and produce content that touches on sexuality. 

The San Francisco-based corporation stated that users should be allowed to produce, distribute, and consume content with sexual themes as long as it is done so consensually on its platform, according to a recent update. Written or visual forms of sexual expression can be accepted forms of creative expression.

According to Cornell University associate professor of communication Brooke Erin Duffy, the platform's decision to permit "adult content" fits nicely with the business's post-Musk marketing strategy. She says that X has tried to set itself apart from competitors that are "brand safe."

Duffy also alleges that the business seems to be wooing individuals as artists and creators who other social media platforms have ostracized due to policies that forbid explicit sexual content or nudity.

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Twitter, X on Adult Content

While there was no formal regulation before Musk, adult content was also permitted on Twitter. According to X, adult content is restricted for adult users and youngsters who prefer not to view it.

Additionally, X declared that it forbids any content that encourages obscene behavior, objectification, nonconsent, sexualization, exploitation, or harm to minors.

X is requesting that users who upload porn regularly change their media settings to include a content warning on all of their photos and videos. Before viewing the uploaded image, users must indicate that they wish to do so. 

Fake News on X

X's new policy comes as troublesome posts about false news continue to plague the site. According to a recent study, a tiny number of accounts share most fake news on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

The study, which was carried out by a group of Indiana University social media experts, highlights the startlingly significant role that "superspreaders" play in spreading false information online.

The researchers concentrated on disinformation's dissemination, acknowledging its severe consequences for society. False information can jeopardize public health and erode confidence in democratic processes. 

Notable examples include inaccurate information regarding COVID-19, which led to misunderstanding about vaccinations and health precautions, and false statements about the 2020 US presidential election, which fueled the Capitol riot on January 6.

Superspreaders are those that disseminate an excessive quantity of misleading information. The study discovered that a relatively small group distributes most of this false information. 

For instance, only 0.1% of Twitter users shared 80% of the incorrect information during the 2016 US election. Similarly, 12 accounts were found to be accountable for almost two-thirds of the anti-vaccine propaganda on the internet during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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