When I first joined X (formerly Twitter), it was a safe haven for people like me—progressive, open-minded, and wholly committed to free speech, provided it only included the right kind of speech. But now, this platform has devolved into an unrecognizable cesspool of differing opinions, and I simply can’t take it anymore.

The problem? Elon Musk is literally killing free speech by allowing people to speak freely.

Let me explain: Free speech used to mean freedom from speech I don’t like. It was a simpler time when algorithms shielded me from hearing that pineapple belongs on pizza or that my favorite politician might be flawed. Now, X has opened the floodgates to anyone—yes, anyone—to say literally anything. Imagine scrolling and encountering someone who says, “I disagree.” It’s like stepping into a war zone, but worse.

Freedom for Me, Not for Thee

The old Twitter understood nuance. They knew that when I said “free speech,” I meant “free speech curated specifically for my fragile worldview.” Sure, a few accounts got suspended for saying silly things like “biology exists” or questioning avocado toast subsidies, but isn’t the cost of someone’s livelihood worth the serenity of my echo chamber?

Now, under the chaotic reign of Elon Musk, the unthinkable has happened: people with opinions I find repugnant are allowed to share them. How is that free speech if it makes me uncomfortable?

The Horror of Unfiltered Dialogue

Just last week, I saw a tweet that said, “We should debate this issue.” Debate? DEBATE?! What are we, ancient Greeks? The very idea of having to intellectually engage with someone who doesn’t already agree with me is exhausting. Where’s the “safety” in that?

Another user had the audacity to post, “I like capitalism.” I reported it as hate speech, but guess what? It’s still up. What’s next, someone praising cargo shorts?

A Platform Run Amok

Let’s not forget the so-called “Community Notes.” Oh, those smug little corrections, treating misinformation as if it’s something that can be objectively countered with facts. I preferred it when we could cancel someone based on vibes alone.

Instead, X now empowers users to question me. ME. As if my verified badge (RIP) and bio—featuring pronouns, a rainbow flag, and a sunflower emoji—aren’t evidence enough of my moral superiority.

Where Do We Go From Here?

I’m announcing my departure from X to seek refuge on a platform where I won’t be bombarded with critical thinking and accountability. Mastodon? Threads? Maybe I’ll just stand on a street corner and shout into the void.

Free speech was never meant to include everyone. It was meant to uplift voices like mine while silencing the noise of dissent. X has killed free speech by letting too many people speak freely, and I won’t stand for it.

Besides, the app still makes me call it “X.” Gross.

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