Debate over staying on X: Strack-Zimmermann and the dilemma of platform engagement
The article discusses the dilemma faced by politicians and public figures regarding whether to remain on Elon Musk's platform X (formerly Twitter) or leave it. It uses Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann's recent post about the war as a case study. Internet experts categorize users into two groups: the truly decent who leave because the platform has become an antisocial mudslinger, and the endlessly brave who stay, believing their reach protects the republic. Among those who stay are outsiders from political parties—outcasts, displaced persons, and early retirees—who present themselves as the nation's good conscience. They are described as idealists, individualists, sometimes almost saints. The article mentions figures like Ruprecht Polenz, Ricarda Lang, Michael Roth, and Volker Beck as examples of those who stay. The central question is whether staying mitigates harm or exacerbates it.
Key facts
- Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann's recent post about the war is used as a starting point.
- The dilemma is whether to stay on X to prevent the worst or leaving to avoid promoting the worst.
- Internet experts claim there are only two types of netizens: the decent who leave and the brave who stay.
- Those who stay include outsiders from political parties who see themselves as the nation's conscience.
- Examples of those who stay include Ruprecht Polenz, Ricarda Lang, Michael Roth, and Volker Beck.
- The platform X was formerly known as Twitter.
- Elon Musk owns the platform X.
- The article was published in der Freitag.
Entities
Institutions
- X
- der Freitag