Let’s talk about X. Formerly known as Twitter, the platform has become a shadow of what it once was under the leadership of Elon Musk. For those of us in the furry fandom — a community built on the principles of diversity, inclusion, and creativity — the ethical concerns surrounding X should give us pause. It’s time to ask ourselves: is staying on a platform that actively enables hate speech, antisemitism, and the erosion of democratic norms really aligned with our values?
The Problem with X
We’ve all seen the headlines. Elon Musk’s tenure at X has been marked by a series of alarming decisions that have turned the platform into a breeding ground for hate and disinformation. Hate speech on X has skyrocketed by 50% since Musk took over, and neo-Nazis are now brazenly running paid ads without consequence. This isn’t just a coincidence — it’s a direct result of Musk’s leadership and his apparent willingness to platform extremism for profit and political gain.
Musk’s actions extend far beyond X. His involvement in government contracts, his unconstitutional power grabs, and his access to sensitive federal data raise serious questions about his influence and intentions. This is a man who has joked about the Holocaust, made Nazi-themed puns, and openly supported the dismantling of government agencies without oversight. His actions are not just irresponsible — they’re dangerous.
Why Are We Still Here?
I’ve spoken to many in the furry fandom who are still on X, and their reasons are understandable. Some have spent years building a following, creating content, and fostering connections. Leaving X feels like starting over, and that’s a daunting prospect. Others stay because it’s convenient—they’ve grown accustomed to the platform, and the idea of migrating elsewhere feels like too much work.
When we log onto X, scroll through our timelines, and interact with content, it’s easy to tell ourselves that we’re just passive participants. We’re not buying X Premium, we’re not clicking on ads, and we’re not engaging with the worst elements of the platform. Surely, we think, our presence doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. But this is a dangerous illusion. Staying on X isn’t a neutral act—it’s an implicit endorsement of Elon Musk’s agenda and the toxic ecosystem he’s cultivated.
Every time you post a “tweet,” like a post, or follow an account, you’re contributing to X’s user metrics. These metrics are the lifeblood of the platform. They’re what Musk uses to attract advertisers, secure partnerships, and project an image of legitimacy. Even if you’re not directly giving Musk money, your activity on the platform helps him maintain the illusion that X is a thriving, vibrant community worth investing in.
Think about it: advertisers don’t just look at raw user numbers — they look at engagement. They want to see likes, retweets, and comments. They want to know that people are actively using the platform. By staying on X and continuing to engage, you’re helping Musk sell the idea that X is a viable space for brands to spend their money. And in doing so, you’re indirectly funding a platform that has become a haven for hate speech, disinformation, and extremism.
Musk’s strategy relies heavily on maintaining a veneer of normalcy. He wants the world to believe that X is just another social media platform, no different from the others. But it’s not. Under his leadership, X has become a place where antisemitism, racism, and bigotry are not just tolerated—they’re amplified.
By staying on X, you’re helping to normalize this behavior. Your presence sends a message that this kind of platform is acceptable, that it’s just another place to hang out online. But it’s not. It’s a platform that actively harms marginalized communities and undermines the values of diversity and inclusion that so many of us hold dear.
The Furry Fandom Deserves Better
As members of the furry fandom, we have a responsibility to stand up for our values. Our community is built on a foundation of love, acceptance, and creativity. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, and we’ve worked hard to create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Staying on X — a platform that actively undermines these values — is a betrayal of everything we stand for.
It’s not enough to simply disapprove of Musk’s actions or to quietly distance ourselves from the worst elements of the platform. If we want to live up to our ideals, we need to take a stand. That means leaving X behind and migrating to platforms that align with our values.
We deserve better. Our art, our stories, and our community deserve to thrive on platforms that align with our values. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Platforms like Mastodon and, Bluesky offer spaces where we can connect, share, and grow without compromising our ethics. Yes, migrating might mean starting over in some ways, but it also means taking a stand for what we believe in.
A Call to Action
Leaving X isn’t just about abandoning a platform — it’s about reclaiming our values and refusing to be complicit in Musk’s harmful agenda. It’s about saying no to hate speech, no to antisemitism, and no to the erosion of democratic norms. It’s about showing the world that the furry fandom stands for something greater.
If you’re worried about losing your followers or your content, consider this: the connections we’ve made in the fandom are stronger than any algorithm. Our community is built on genuine relationships, not follower counts. And as for your content, it’s never too late to start fresh. Share your art, your stories, and your ideas on platforms that deserve them.
The furry fandom has always been a beacon of creativity and inclusivity. Let’s not tarnish that legacy by staying on a platform that undermines everything we stand for. It’s time to leave X behind and embrace a future where our values come first.
Together, we can build a better, more ethical online space—one that truly reflects the heart and soul of the furry fandom.
Leo Hardy is a furry author and columnist. Outside of the fandom, he is a marketing and political consultant.