Over the weekend, X experienced a surge in user activity, fueled by the news of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. X owner Elon Musk boasted about the platform reaching a new “record high” in usage, with 417 billion user-seconds globally. However, upon closer inspection, Musk’s claims raise more questions than answers.
The Numbers Game
Musk’s breakdown of the numbers reveals that users spent an average of 27.8 minutes per day on the app, with 250 million daily active users. While these numbers are impressive, they do not align with X’s previous claims that users were spending 30 minutes per day on the platform on average. This inconsistency calls into question the accuracy of the data reported by X, as the numbers do not add up.
The confusion deepens when Musk reports that 93 billion user seconds were recorded in the U.S. alone, equating to 15.5 minutes per user on average. This average usage per person falls short of providing a clear picture of X’s reach and resonance among its users. The lack of transparency in X’s data reporting makes it difficult for advertisers to gauge the platform’s effectiveness in reaching and engaging users.
While X continues to be a valuable resource for real-time news events, its convoluted and contradicting data reporting raises concerns about the platform’s performance. The contradictory nature of X’s usage numbers makes it challenging for advertisers to make informed decisions about reaching their target audience on the platform. X’s inconsistent reporting of usage declines further muddies the waters, making it unclear whether the platform is truly experiencing a decline in user activity.
The Call for Transparency
If X truly wants to be transparent, as Musk claims, it must provide full usage data, including the number of users and comprehensive insights into user engagement. By allowing for broader scrutiny of its performance, X can build trust with advertisers and users alike. Without transparent and accurate data reporting, X risks losing credibility and undermining its own success in the long run.
The state of X’s user data is a confusing and convoluted mess. The inconsistent reporting of user activity, coupled with the lack of transparency in data presentation, creates doubt and uncertainty about the platform’s performance. If X wants to maintain its position as a valuable resource for real-time news events, it must prioritize transparency and accuracy in its data reporting to ensure trust and confidence among its users and advertisers.
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