Grok's summary of a recent interview with Twitter product lead @nikitabier by @alexeheath, discussing Twitter's future direction:
Algorithm Reconstruction and Moderation Methods
Twitter is rebuilding its recommendation algorithm from scratch.
Key principles: No keyword blocking or manual downgrading.
No top-down moderation rules, and no explicit ranking based on keywords/URLs.
The algorithm is modeled after Tesla's Full Self-Driving system: "Input data, output data," trained solely on user behavior and interactions (e.g., if you click a link, that link will be shown to similar users).
At Musk's direction, the old Twitter security mechanisms (content-based downgrading and tagging) will be removed.
These claims lack independent verification or auditing; the EU has pointed out that Twitter is not open enough to the outside world.
Criticism of Twitter stems from Musk's past record of spreading conspiracy theories and interfering with content moderation.
New Features and Benefits for Publishers
Embedded Link Viewer: Allows users to read articles without leaving the X app, while still liking/commenting. Result: Link open rates have increased 3x since launch.
Balance: Balances truth-seeking, journalistic coverage, and app retention (traditional links can lead to user churn).
"About This Account" Feature: Tag accounts by geolocation to help users verify their authenticity, aligning with Musk's vision of free speech (no account bans based on viewpoints, but transparent information sources).
The Role of Journalists: Crucial to X's position as the number one news app in most countries; they are among X's most active user groups, and their return provides a "complete perspective" on a wide range of issues.
Author Perspectives and Industry Context
Despite the turmoil X experienced after Musk took over (e.g., a surge in hate speech, advertiser withdrawal, media attacks, revocation of verified accounts, journalist bans, and blocking of competitor links), authors remained with X.
Reasons for staying: X remains central to the tech/AI community; it has helped authors expand their careers, networks, and increase their work's reach.
Recent positive impacts: Authors have seen increased referral traffic from X. There's no need to resort to algorithmic cheating methods like screenshotting.
Peers: Most heavy media users have switched to Mastodon, Bluesky, and Threads and indicated they won't return; authors now check multiple apps for news.
Bier acknowledges: Winning the trust of this valuable user base is crucial.
X's momentum and future outlook
Recent achievements (according to Bier): User time spent on the app has reached a new high.
Monthly downloads have hit an all-time high.
X Premium's daily sales hit a new high two weeks ago.
90% of advertisers have returned (although spending levels are unclear; overall ad revenue may be lower than before the acquisition).
Data provided by an X spokesperson: Over 500 million users use X monthly this year to get news, connect, and have conversations.
Profitability: Musk's goal is to achieve self-sufficiency and profitability, rather than relying on xAI's funding.
Musk's level of involvement: Still "highly involved".
