“Why I stay on X while the “progressives” flee Musk’s network”

*Olivier Babeau is president of the Sapiens Institute, founder of the Rencontres des Sablons. Latest work : « The Tyranny of Entertainment » (Buchet-Chastel).

Some departures from Network X, formerly Twitter, announced with publicity, indirectly indicted the network. As a (compulsive) user with no other interest in the matter, I share some thoughts.

The departures reflect a real unease, in particular from traditional media who feel they can no longer do their job. It is true that the rules of the information game have changed. The media have lost control of opinion. The election of Trump proved once again that the unanimous or almost unanimity of all the media against a candidate had no impact. And probably even playing backwards. It’s distressing in many ways. For the media themselves of course. But also because the effect of these networks is the polarization of opinions. The idea that lies and error can reign and overwhelm the truth is legitimately frightening. Will we be able to continue to maintain a constructive and open dialogue based on facts? Are we condemned with these networks to the reign of obscurantism, of excess? Are we irremediably subject to the manipulations of an algorithm that suggests to us what to think?

I wouldn't stay on X if I believed that. Perhaps I have an unrepresentative experience. I'm not a big newspaper person. After all, everyone has different content on their “feed”, depending on their actions and tastes. I am lucky on this network not to be harassed, not to be (too often) threatened. I read original economic analyzes there. I learn about the publication of articles and books that interest me and that I will consult. I discover intelligent opinions there that sometimes make me change my mind. I learn things there. In short, I'm finding out. Yes, some comments are violent, insulting. I don't care and generally don't read them. Neither the time nor the desire. I don't go to And so much the better if people read me. It's true that for some time now I've seen more conspiracy theories and violently false ideas. They displease me and I want to fight against them with all my strength, especially when it comes to the new, almost uninhibited anti-Semitism that we can read there.

But I continue to find more advantages than disadvantages on X.

I appreciate this network because I can, without asking permission or depending on anyone, speak to millions of people.

Olivier Babeau

X allows everyone to be their personal media. And to follow people he chooses. It's up to everyone to build their own thread and exclude whoever they want. No one has to read me. I don't have to read anyone.

No content selection algorithm is perfect. But what I know is that the automatic sanction of any expression deemed offensive practiced by a famous ex-trombinoscope cannot be a model. My partner manages a large group on a social network in the United States. What I see of the intolerance towards any expression, any alternative thought (even calm, argued, peaceful) departing ever so slightly from the narrow line of acceptable discourse freezes me. People spend their time demanding that the administrator silence the others. This is for me the absolute anti-model. A social network cannot be a catechism group where it is only allowed to gather to sing the accepted antiphons.

I am much more afraid of a network where, in the name of an alleged fight against “hate”, of the desire to protect “sensitivities”, any dissonant expression is prohibited, anything that might not correspond with the spirit of the times. Freedom of expression cannot only be that of my own ideas. And above all it cannot be limited to what is supposed to be “true”, “good” or “just” according to authorized circles. If it is limited, it is no longer freedom of expression. Talking stupid things is one of them.

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I wouldn't leave a network because you can say anything there (within the limits of the law). I would leave if this freedom, on the contrary, ceased. I would bitterly leave a network where it would not be possible to have opinions contrary to mine. I hate censorship.

I appreciate this network because I can, without asking permission or depending on anyone, speak to millions of people. When I see unpleasant or stupid things, I move on. When I see things wrong that are worth correcting, I try to do so. For me this place is a huge market where everyone can unpack their little stall of content, and find (or not) an audience.

The truth is that for many what is ultimately unbearable is that the ideological victory of their camp is no longer total.

Olivier Babeau

We do not fight error by silencing, but by letting it be said and by opposing its arguments, reason, and facts. Sometimes by letting people speak and remaining silent. Because it is often giving too much honor and publicity to error to refute it. Anathema is the defeat of reason. Above all, we no longer combat error in the 21st century by creating circles reserved for authorized expressions. We must go into battle, not abandon the battlefield. Crazy people, untruths, sects and bigotry have always existed. We just don't have to give them free rein. The community of debaters of good will can prevail over hysteria.

The truth is that for many what is ultimately unbearable is that the ideological victory of their camp is no longer total. Panic. People are leaving the network with a bang like a bigot crossing himself in front of a licentious image.

What we criticize X for is being more conservative and, let's say, right-wing, than before. The shock felt by many in France comes from the fact that the right-wing media were until now an infinite minority, and their beginning of development (which logically follows their electoral existence) is interpreted as domination. We are very far from it.

It is possible and desirable that other networks emerge, where other sensitivities will dominate. This political specialization of networks (which occurred with dating sites) is the logical and almost reassuring continuation of that of traditional media. Everyone knows what they are going to look for Figaro, au Monde or to Liberationin terms of bias. We always end up grouping together by affinities.

I'll leave you, I'll go back to X.