Saying Goodbye to Twitter After I Deleted My Account Today After 17 Years On a Once Beloved Platform

Early Days: A Platform Full of Possibility

When I first joined, Twitter was refreshingly simple. A 140-character limit encouraged brevity and creativity, and the chronological timeline made it easy to keep up with the people and ideas that mattered most to me. Conversations felt open and accessible—you could stumble into a fascinating discussion simply by reading the replies to a tweet, even if you didn’t follow everyone involved.

It was where curiosity thrived. People shared books, articles, jokes, and snippets of their lives. I met people who challenged me, entertained me, and even became real-life friends. In those years, Twitter felt like a community—a space where voices could connect across geography and time zones.

The First Signs of Change

For me, the cracks started to show with the introduction of the “For You” algorithmic feed. It replaced the simplicity of the chronological timeline with a curated stream of content I didn’t ask for, often amplifying the most divisive or sensational tweets (The Verge).

Another pivotal moment was when Twitter turned off the ability to see replies from people you weren’t following. This seemingly small change fundamentally altered the way conversations unfolded on the platform. It became harder to discover new voices and perspectives, limiting the organic discovery (Wired) that had made Twitter so unique in its early days.

Pivotal Moments That Shaped Twitter’s Decline

There were other moments in Twitter’s history that signaled dramatic shifts:

The Expansion to 280 Characters (2017): While this change offered more room for expression, it also took away some of the creative challenge that made tweets so engaging. Brevity had been a defining feature, and its loss subtly altered the platform’s tone.

The Shift to Promote Ads and Subscriptions (2020s): Increasing pressure to monetize the platform led to more aggressive advertising and subscription models. Features like Twitter Blue, which prioritized paying users in the feed, created a two-tier system that felt at odds with Twitter’s original egalitarian ethos.

Massive Layoffs and Policy Shifts (2022): When Twitter’s leadership abruptly laid off most of its workforce, including teams responsible for moderation and user safety, the platform became chaotic. Functional glitches and unchecked harassment became more common, driving many users away (BBC).

To be clear, when Twitter was sold, many would agree they sold us out. But I would argue that started happening with the "For You" feed mentioned above years earlier.

Rebranding to X (2023): The rebranding was more than cosmetic. It marked a fundamental departure from the Twitter many of us had known and loved, alienating long-time users and further eroding the platform’s identity (NYTimes).

A Platform That No Longer Reflects Its Original Values

Twitter’s transformation has been gradual but undeniable. The platform that once prioritized connection and conversation now feels like a chaotic feed of outrage and noise. Algorithms amplify conflict over substance, and the features that made Twitter feel like an open forum are long gone.

Social media’s broader impact on democracy played a role in this disillusionment. Platforms like Twitter have been weaponized to spread misinformation, deepen divisions, and manipulate public opinion. Algorithms often prioritize sensational content over thoughtful discourse, making it easier for bad actors to exploit the system (Science.org).

During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, for example, foreign actors used Twitter to amplify disinformation and sow distrust in democratic institutions (US Senate).

These issues eroded what made Twitter special for me. The thoughtful exchanges I once cherished were buried under layers of noise and outrage, and the connections I valued most became harder to maintain in an environment increasingly shaped by conflict and metrics.

Reflecting on Twitter’s Legacy

Twitter’s legacy is complicated. For many years, it was a place of curiosity, humor, and connection. It shaped the way we communicated and brought people together in unexpected ways. However, it also became a platform that prioritized scale and conflict at the expense of its users’ experiences.

As I close this chapter, I’m hopeful about what’s next. The end of my time on Twitter is not just a farewell but an opportunity to rediscover what truly matters—spaces prioritizing thoughtfulness, connection, and genuine engagement.

Moving Forward

With my Twitter account gone, I’m focusing on creating and engaging with spaces that align with my priorities. My personal site and blog are in progress, and I’m excited to use them as platforms for thoughtful expression and connection. I’ll still post occasionally on Micro.blog and check replies and DMs on Mastodon and Bluesky, but email will be the best way to reach me. WhatsApp and Signal are also options. Email me for that info.

I’m grateful for the friendships and communities that grew from my time on Twitter. They remain valuable to me, even as I leave the platform behind. Whether through WhatsApp, Signal, or email, I’m committed to staying connected in personal and meaningful ways.

If you'd like to support my home business, you can also keep in touch via Patreon and paid website subscribers have access to the forums.