Now in my mid-70s, I’ve become active on social media as a late adopter. However, my concerns — particularly around the mental health impact on vulnerable individuals — have significantly increased. Having been scammed multiple times due to misplaced trust in deceptive actors, I feel compelled to raise public awareness of the critical and growing issues surrounding social media misuse and its associated risks.
I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it seems to me that Elon Musk is truly shooting himself in the foot. His recent decisions don’t just baffle me — they threaten the very fabric of privacy for journalists and pose serious risks for women and vulnerable individuals. It’s a perplexing move that raises alarms about safety and common sense. I also see this as a public health concern.
I decided to write this short post today after reading an eye-opening article titled “Elon Musk risks privacy backlash by permitting accounts you’ve blocked on X to see your posts”. It was authored by Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson on Betanews. The article made sense to me. I wrote about it as it has a societal impact and implications for the mental health of vulnerable people in digital spaces. It is not just a social media buzz if we focus on the real issue here.
The real issue revolves around privacy and safety concerns resulting from Elon Musk’s plans to change the “block” function on X (formerly Twitter). The key change is that blocked accounts will still be able to view your posts, even though they won’t be able to interact with you or your content directly.
In this interactive podcast, I elaborate on three key questions:
1 — What are the potential consequences of Elon Musk’s changes to the block function on X (formerly Twitter) for users’ privacy and safety?
2 — How does the alteration of the block function affect the user experience and control over their online presence on X?
2 — What measures should be taken to address the concerns raised by the proposed changes to the block function on X, ensuring user privacy and safety?
You can read the detailed article on Medium.com or check out the podcast script on my blogs.
Is Elon Musk Undermining the Privacy of Digital Citizens with His New X Feature?
In a nutshell, Elon Musk’s latest decision to alter the functionality of the block feature on X (formerly Twitter) isn’t just a technical adjustment. It is a potential tipping point that could significantly compromise user safety and privacy.
By allowing blocked accounts to view public posts, X is unwittingly opening the door to harassment, stalking, and unwanted surveillance, particularly for vulnerable populations. As we navigate this digital age, the responsibility lies with both platform leaders and policymakers to prioritize the protection of users.
A world where privacy measures are undermined invites chaos and danger, making it imperative for us to advocate for robust protections that respect individuals’ rights and safety.
Reassess Privacy Measures: The public and policymakers must advocate for comprehensive privacy protections that empower users rather than expose them to potential threats.
Empower Vulnerable Populations: Policies that safeguard women, minorities, and those facing harassment online, ensuring they have the necessary tools to control their digital experiences, require special attention.
Learn from History: Previous backlash against similar changes demonstrates that user feedback is vital. X should prioritize open communication and transparency with its user base to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Redefine Security Features: Social media platforms must redefine their security features, reinforcing tools like blocking to genuinely protect users from unwanted attention rather than diminishing their efficacy.
Accountability for Leadership: Twitter leadership must be held accountable for decisions that affect user safety, recognizing that the platform’s integrity depends on trust and user control over its online presence.
By advocating for these changes, we can promote a safer, more respectful online environment for all users.
Here are three other recent stories I wrote about Elon Musk:
According to Elon Musk, Trump Might Win, But I’ve My Doubts Based on Feedback from Experts
The Silence Censorship: Apparently, the European Commission Offered 𝕏 an Illegal Secret Deal
UnMUSking X and the Digital Services Act: From Inspiration to Investigation
Thank you for reading my story and listening to my podcast. I wish you a healthy and long life with your loved ones.
Why I Reckon Elon Musk Is Shooting Himself in the Foot