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I quit X formerly known as Twitter: A stand against toxicity

I'm quitting X, formerly Twitter, due to rising toxicity. It's time to choose respect and well-being over hate and division.

In the digital age, social media platforms have become our town squares, our coffee shops, our public forums. They are places where we connect, share, learn, and engage in lively debates. One such platform that has been a significant part of my life for years is X, formerly known as Twitter. However, today, I am writing to share my decision to quit this platform, a decision driven by the escalating levels of toxicity and hate that I have witnessed.

The beauty of social media lies in its ability to bring together people of different backgrounds, cultures, and ideologies. It’s a melting pot of ideas, a place where we can learn from each other’s perspectives. But, unfortunately, this ideal has been overshadowed by a growing culture of hostility and intolerance on X.

Over the past few years, I have observed an alarming increase in the levels of toxic spew on the platform. The hate, the vitriol, the personal attacks, and the constant negativity have become too much to bear. It’s disheartening to see how a platform that was once a beacon of free speech and open dialogue has become a battleground for ideological wars.

The toxicity is not just limited to political discussions. It seeps into every topic, every conversation, every hashtag. It’s a constant barrage of negativity that leaves you feeling drained, disheartened, and disillusioned. The platform that was once a source of joy, learning, and connection has turned into a source of stress and anxiety.

I believe in the power of words. I believe that our words can inspire, motivate, and bring about change. But when words are used as weapons to hurt, to belittle, to spread hate, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. It’s time to question whether the benefits of staying connected outweigh the mental and emotional toll of navigating through the toxicity.

I am not alone in feeling this way. Many users have expressed their concerns about the increasing toxicity on X. Yet, it seems that the platform’s efforts to curb this issue have been largely ineffective. The hate speech, the trolling, the cyberbullying continue unabated, creating an environment that is far from conducive to healthy, respectful dialogue.

In quitting X, I am taking a stand against this culture of toxicity. I am choosing my mental and emotional well-being over the need to stay constantly connected. I am choosing to distance myself from a platform that allows hate and intolerance to thrive.

This decision was not an easy one. I will miss the connections, the conversations, the moments of joy and learning that X has provided me. But I believe that it’s a necessary step for my well-being. I hope that my decision will inspire others to take a stand against online toxicity and to prioritize their mental health.

In conclusion, I am quitting X, but I am not quitting on the idea of a healthy, respectful, and inclusive online community. I will continue to seek out platforms that uphold these values, platforms where we can engage in meaningful conversations without the fear of being attacked or belittled. I hope to see you there.

Remember, social media is a tool. It’s up to us to decide how we use it. Let’s use it to spread love, not hate. Let’s use it to build bridges, not walls. Let’s use it to create a world where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.

Disclaimer: This blog post was created with the assistance of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool. The AI was utilized for enhancing the content, optimizing it for SEO, and providing creative insights. Readers are encouraged to consider this as they engage with the content.

Kjartan Abel is a sound designer, music composer, and immersive installation artist, known for his explorations at the intersection of technology and creativity. A seasoned museum nerd, AI enthusiast and tech enthusiast, Kjartan adeptly melds digital innovation with traditional media. His artistry extends to tinkering with Raspberry Pi, crafting unique experiences that resonate in today's tech-driven culture, often exploring the dimensions of space and time. With an MFA in Fine Art Media from The Slade School of Fine Art and a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Kingston University, Kjartan’s blog offers a window into his multidisciplinary approach and his journey through the evolving landscape of New Media.

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