Why I Left X: The Decline of a Platform That No Longer Serves Creatives

For years, I used X (formerly Twitter) as a space to share my art, connect with like-minded creatives, and contribute something positive to the online community. But over time, the platform changed, and not for the better. What was once a hub for creative engagement, networking, and artistic promotion has become a space fueled by division, extremism, and diminishing opportunities for independent creators.

This isn’t just about personal frustration; it’s about a fundamental shift in what X represents and how it functions. In this post, I’ll break down why I left, what changed, and why creatives should start thinking beyond traditional social media platforms.

The Decline of X: What Changed?

When Elon Musk took over, many hoped for innovation, but instead, the platform underwent a transformation that pushed artists and independent creators to the margins. Here’s my take on it:

• Rise in Hate Speech & Extremism – The once-moderated space became a free-for-all, where harassment and toxic behavior are not just tolerated but amplified.
• Scam Bots & Fake Engagement – Genuine interaction is increasingly drowned out by fake accounts, AI spam, and bad actors looking to exploit users.
• Pay to Play Model – Organic reach has plummeted unless you’re willing to subscribe and pay for visibility. Artists who once relied on community engagement now struggle to be seen.
• Loss of Journalistic Integrity – What was once a go-to space for breaking news has been replaced with unchecked misinformation, conspiracy theories, and agenda-driven chaos.
• Algorithm Manipulation – X now prioritizes controversy and rage-fueled engagement over meaningful interactions, leaving creatives with little space to thrive.

The Impact on Artists & Creators

For visual artists, writers, and creatives, X was once an invaluable space for networking and promotion. However, the platform now actively works against organic growth. The problems include:

• Decreased Visibility – Posts from independent creators are buried unless they go viral or pay for promotion.
• Toxic Environment – Engaging on the platform often means dealing with hostility, making it an uninspiring place to create and share.
• Community Erosion – Many artists have already left or disengaged, making it harder to find meaningful connections.

For those still trying to make X work, the reality is clear: unless you are willing to constantly battle against the algorithm, pay for visibility, or engage in the toxic culture the platform now fosters, it’s an uphill battle.

The Bigger Picture: The Future of Social Media for Creatives

The decline of X is part of a larger trend, one that highlights the risks of relying on centralized platforms controlled by billionaires with personal agendas. Creatives who have built their audiences on platforms like X or Instagram are realizing that true content ownership matters.

This shift is pushing more artists to explore alternatives:

• Decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, which aren’t controlled by a single entity.
• Blogging & Newsletters (like this one), where creators own their audience and don’t rely on algorithmic suppression.
• Community-driven spaces like Discord and independent websites, where engagement is genuine and not dictated by ads or outrage.

Where I’m Going & What’s Next

From here, I’ll be focusing on spaces where art, creativity, and meaningful discussion are still valued. This blog/newsletter will be my primary hub for updates, insights, and new artwork. If you’d like to stay connected, subscribe here: Scroll to the bottom and type in your email address.

For those still navigating social media as creatives, think about where your energy is best spent. X is no longer the creative hub it once was, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build something better elsewhere.

Leaving X isn’t just about escaping a toxic platform, it’s about reclaiming creative independence. As artists and creators, we deserve spaces that foster inspiration, not division. If you’re looking for a community that values creativity over controversy, follow my journey beyond X.

Thanks for being part of this shift. Build something better together.