The Evolution and Impact of Twitter/X

Twitter, launched in 2006, evolved from a simple status update platform to a powerful social media giant. Originally called 'twttr,' it was inspired by SMS messaging and allowed only 140 characters, mirroring the SMS limit.

In 2023, Elon Musk rebranded Twitter as 'X', reflecting his vision of transforming it into a super app akin to China's WeChat, offering a wide range of services beyond microblogging, including payments and e-commerce.

Twitter/X has over 330 million monthly active users worldwide. Notably, 80% of those users are outside the United States, making it a crucial tool for global communication and news dissemination.

Twitter/X has revolutionized journalism, with breaking news often appearing on the platform before traditional media. Many journalists use it to share live updates, making it a primary news source for millions.

Twitter/X's algorithms, designed to promote engagement, have been criticized for amplifying misinformation and polarizing content. The platform continually updates its policies to combat these issues, striving for a balance between free expression and responsible moderation.

In 2009, astronaut Mike Massimino tweeted from space, making Twitter the first social media platform used in orbit.