The Conversation - How will Musk change Twitter?

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The deal is done. Twitter's board has accepted Elon Musk's offer and he intends to take the public company private. The richest person on Earth now controls one of the world’s leading social media platforms. Musk said he wants to make Twitter “the platform for free speech around the globe.” This raises a host of questions, from do trolls now have free rein to post what they see fit to will Donald Trump be allowed back onto the platform.

One of the more consequential questions is what does Musk’s acquisition mean for Twitter’s content moderation. Like all social media platforms, Twitter has been a venue for misinformation and threatening behavior, and the company has taken steps to curb the harmful content.

Michigan State social media researcher Anjana Susarla explains what makes Twitter unique and considers the changes Musk’s comments portend. Meanwhile, with Twitter soon to be a private company, Texas A&M corporate governance scholars Michael Withers and Steven Boivie mull whether Musk will miss having a board of directors.

Also today:

Eric Smalley

Science + Technology Editor

Elon Musk’s moment of triumph is a moment of uncertainty for the future of one of the world’s leading social media platforms. AP Photo/John Raoux

Elon Musk’s plans for Twitter could make its misinformation problems worse

Anjana Susarla, Michigan State University

Twitter, more than other social media platforms, fosters real-time discussion about events as they unfold. That could change now that Musk has gained control of the company.

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