The Caen Memorial announced its decision to leave the social network X, formerly Twitter, due to a manifest incompatibility between the values promoted by the institution and those defended by its owner, Elon Musk. This break illustrates a broader context where several entities choose to distance themselves from a platform deemed problematic, thereby reinforcing the debate on the impact of social media on initiatives dedicated to memory and peace.
Controversial political positions
The decision to close the account on the X network was motivated by the recent political positions of the head of X, which were perceived as contrary to the ideals of peace and memory promoted by the Caen Memorial. The latter, a cultural establishment dedicated to commemorating past conflicts and promoting humanist values, is thus forced to question the impact of its online presence on its message and mission.
A thoughtful and symbolic choice
The director of the Memorial, Kléber Arhoul, emphasized the importance of this decision, calling it necessary in the face of the transformation of the platform into a “chaos factory.” This assessment is not only a personal observation but fits into a broader dynamic observed by many other institutions, including some universities in Île-de-France that are also distancing themselves from the X network on ethical and societal grounds.
An emerging trend among institutions
The withdrawal of the Caen Memorial is not an isolated case. Other organizations, such as the Public Assistance of Hospitals of Marseille, have also chosen to leave this social network due to a lack of moderation and the absence of content regulation, raising questions about the responsibilities of platforms in the face of misinformation and the spread of harmful ideas. This reflects a genuine concern regarding the digital environment in which these institutions now operate. Indeed, the collective #HelloQuitteX increasingly calls on entities to abandon this platform.
A debate on the future of digital memorials
This choice of disengagement may lead to a critical reflection on the future of memorials and cultural institutions on social networks. The necessity of preserving the integrity of their message may lead them to consider other forms of communication that align more with their values. As several organizations take a stand, it would be pertinent to observe how this dynamic might influence the norms and practices of social media in the future.
