- Elon Musk says posts with links are deprioritized to stop “lazy linking.”
- X encourages native content over external links to boost engagement.
- Media outlets criticize X for limiting access to external information.
Elon Musk has confirmed that X deprioritizes posts containing links in their main text, a move that has drawn criticism for restricting access to external information. Musk suggested users share links in replies instead, calling it a way to discourage “lazy linking.”
X encourages users to post native content like videos and articles directly on the platform to keep engagement within its ecosystem. This approach has sparked backlash from media outlets, with some accusing X of suppressing independent platforms and press freedom.
Earlier, reports revealed X imposed delays on links to competitors and certain news outlets, potentially reducing their traffic. Critics argue this practice undermines access to diverse viewpoints and independent journalism.
The deprioritization of tweets with links in them is Twitter’s biggest flaw. It bothers me more than all the new right-wing trolls. Trolls I’m used to, but what draws me to Twitter is to find out what’s going on, and you can’t do that without links.
— Paul Graham (@paulg) November 24, 2024
