A recently formed collective, known as #HelloQuitteX, is calling for a mass migration away from social media network X, formerly Twitter, owned by Elon Musk. They are challenging users to leave the platform before January 20, a date that coincides with the potential inauguration of Donald Trump. This movement aims to denounce the toxic atmosphere that has developed on the platform and to encourage a transition to networks deemed healthier.
The collective ‘#HelloQuitteX’: a collective reaction
The #HelloQuitteX collective brings together academics, associations, and influential figures from the internet. Their goal is to provoke a significant reaction to the changes that have occurred on X, which have sparked numerous criticisms since the billionaire Elon Musk’s acquisition. Through the hashtag #HelloQuitteX, they aim to raise awareness among users about the harmful impact that using this social network can have on mental health and the quality of online exchanges.
A symbolic date: January 20
The choice of January 20 as a symbolic departure date is not random. It represents the inauguration of Donald Trump, a controversial figure whose return to the political forefront inspires many concerns. The collective views this moment as an opportunity to free themselves from an environment they consider harmful and to assert their desire to redirect their online presence towards more open and respectful spaces. Mathematician David Chavalarias expresses this idea by emphasizing that X has become extremely toxic.
Alternatives to X
To facilitate this transition, the collective does not merely call for departure, but also offers a wealth of tools and advice for migrating to alternative platforms such as Mastodon or Blue Sky. These networks are perceived as healthier spaces where users can regain a certain form of peace of mind and where their personal data is better protected. The emergence of such alternatives in response to X reflects a growing demand from users for more ethical platforms.
Obstacles to departure
However, migration does not come without challenges. Unlike what exists for phone subscriptions, social networks, including X, do not allow for easy portability of profiles. Thus, users wishing to leave the platform often face difficulties restoring their history and connections on new networks. This could pose a considerable barrier for many potential members of the #HelloQuitteX movement, who hesitate to abandon a network where they have invested time and effort.
A wave of disengagement
This initiative is part of a broader context of disengagement from X, notably observed with the recent decision of some media to leave the platform. Groups like the daily Sud Ouest have decided to no longer publish on X, thus revealing a trend among many media actors to denounce the toxic policy surrounding this social network. Other public figures, such as Marine Tondelier, also highlight the difficulties represented by the use of X, urging users to consider alternatives.
A call for reflection
The #HelloQuitteX collective does not merely call for abandoning the network, but also encourages deeper reflection on how we use digital platforms and their impact on our society. The idea is to show that we have the collective capacity to extricate ourselves from a captive network that exploits our personal data to keep us online, asserts David Chavalarias. This message of hope for a collective and thoughtful migration aims to restore a certain form of control and autonomy in the digital space.
