The X algorithm really is trying to radicalize you—researchers just proved it

A new study shows that X’s ‘For you’ algorithm promotes conservative content and demotes traditional media, effectively shifting users’ opinions.

In the months following Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022, my experience with the platform (and perhaps yours too) got quickly, dramatically worse. My algorithmic timeline, better known as the “For you” tab, devolved into a broken fire hydrant of tweets from blue-checked engagement farmers, shameless meme thieves, clout-chasing Republican politicians...