The social network X, at the center of many controversies, is experiencing a significant loss of popularity in France. Over the past six months, the platform has recorded a drop of nearly 3 million users in the Hexagon, raising questions about the attractiveness of the service and the direction taken by its management.
A confirmed loss of attractiveness
The latest transparency report published by X highlights a considerable decline in the number of European users, with a decrease of 10% over the last six months. In France, this trend is particularly marked, with the number of users dropping from 20 million to about 17.5 million, representing a reduction of 15%. This situation suggests a growing awareness among internet users regarding the issues related to the platform.
The main factors of the decline
Several elements could explain this negative dynamic. On one hand, the controversial decisions of Elon Musk, owner of X, regarding content moderation have sparked strong reactions. Users have denounced a perceived toxic atmosphere, prompting some to leave the social network to explore other options, such as BlueSky or Mastodon.
The clear politics of users
Elon Musk’s policy, particularly his positions that sometimes border on provocation, has contributed to an enhanced feeling of dissatisfaction. Actions like his association with controversial political figures have destabilized some users, pushing them away from the platform. In France, the campaign titled HelloQuitteX, launched by researchers at the CNRS, has encouraged this trend of leaving the social network.
Comparison with other European countries
France is not an isolated case. In Europe, other nations are also showing concerning figures. In Luxembourg, for example, the number of users on X has dropped from 232,500 to 172,000, representing a decrease of nearly 25%. In Germany and Poland, the statistics also reflect a significant drop of up to 20%.
Consequences on other areas of interest
The repercussions of this wave of departures are not limited solely to X. The brand image changes related to Elon Musk’s activities seem to have collateral impacts on his other company, Tesla. In France, the sales of electric cars from the brand have fallen by 60% compared to the previous year. This dynamic demonstrates that the image of a social network can influence various economic sectors.
An uncertain future for X
As competition intensifies in the social media market, X faces an erosion of its user base that could lead to a loss of legitimacy. The current figures suggest a fierce struggle to regain user trust, especially as they seek spaces for more serene and accessible exchanges.
This observation is shared by institutions interested in the psychological impacts of social networks, reinforcing the need for reflection on user health, particularly among young people. For information on the risks associated with social networks, you can consult the article on the dangers of TikTok.
