Twitter claims hate speech is 30 per cent lower since Elon Musk acquisition. Experts disagree

Twitter has reported a noteworthy reduction of about 30 percent in instances of hate speech ever since Elon Musk assumed control of the platform. (Image credits: Getty Images/Twitter/PinkNews)

According to Twitter, the occurrence of hate speech has decreased by 30 percent following Elon Musk assuming control of the platform. However, researchers with extensive knowledge in the field argue against this claim.

Extensive studies have been carried out after Musk's assumption of control over Twitter in 2023, and the majority of findings highlight an increase in the presence of offensive language and expressions of animosity on the platform.

However, Twitter recently disclosed the results of an evaluation carried out by Sprinklr, an independent entity, on Tuesday (18 July). The software firm's AI-driven analysis revealed that hate speech on Twitter constitutes only a minute portion of the entire conversation.

According to research conducted by Sprinklr, the average number of instances of hate speech in the English language per day from January 1 to May 31, 2023, is 0.003 percent. This figure is in contrast to Twitter's own estimate, which is higher at 0.012 percent.

Furthermore, according to Sprinklr, hate speech impressions have been reduced by an average of 30 percent compared to the time before the acquisition.

Twitter: Where's The Action?

Nonetheless, Joe Mulhall, the research director at HOPE not hate, expressed to PinkNews: "Despite Twitter's declaration of its efforts to combat hate speech, we remain skeptical, as do the marginalized communities impacted by it."

Even though we have provided multiple instances of offensive language targeted at the LGBT+ community, Twitter has not taken any action. This raises doubts about whether Twitter's so-called "success" is simply due to changing their standards.

This is corroborated by other entities that keep track of offensive language on various social media platforms.

According to Kayla Gogarty, the research director at Media Matters, LGBTQ individuals have faced increasing danger on Twitter since Musk took over. This is because Musk has neglected to implement proper content regulation, expressed discriminatory views against transgender individuals in his own tweets, and allowed the return of numerous accounts that were previously banned for spreading hate towards the LGBTQ community.

No matter what Musk has asserted, research conducted by Media Matters and other organizations has revealed that these behaviors have led to an increase in offensive language on the platform.

"And despite his opposing assertions, Musk has recently acknowledged that the organization is still grappling with winning back advertisers. These advertisers withdrew their advertisements from the platform due to worries regarding brand security, as their content might be displayed alongside offensive material."

Twitter's statement has also faced strong criticism from numerous users, including influential personalities.

I must say, I have never encountered such a high level of harassment on this platform as I currently do. Individuals now invest money to make their harassment more noticeable.

The removal of verification status from journalists, civic organizations, and public figures has rendered it exceedingly difficult to track discussions. I really hope that it can be restored to its previous usability.

Twitter credited the results of the study to its implementation of a broader approach to upholding freedom of expression rather than focusing solely on reach.

The policy aims to support and safeguard dialogue, granting users the freedom to express their viewpoints without worrying about censorship. However, it also has measures in place to limit the visibility of tweets that go against the platform's policies.

However, when it comes to matters pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community, Musk's assertions regarding users' freedom of expression appear to cease.

In the month of June, the extremely wealthy individual pronounced that the terms "cis" and "cisgender" were offensive expressions. This individual cautioned that individuals who continuously and deliberately harassed others by utilizing these terms on the platform could have their accounts suspended.

The decision was made after GLAAD's research found that Twitter posed the highest risk to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Before this, in March, a study conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate discovered that the number of posts referring to the anti-LGBTQ+ "groomer" narrative had significantly increased by 119 percent under Musk's leadership.

Musk formally assumed control of the platform on October 27th, investing a substantial amount of $44 billion (£34 billion). A month later, he unveiled a "universal pardon" for restricted accounts as an integral component of his agenda promoting unrestricted expression.

There has been extensive coverage on the decline of Twitter since the ownership change, and the occurrence of skyrocketing hate speech targeting the LGBTQ+ community has been widely discussed.

In the month of July, a study discovered that 60 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals utilizing social media are distancing themselves from popular platforms due to worries about their safety. Additionally, a distinct survey revealed that half of journalists have contemplated abandoning Twitter.

Previously viewed as a platform where individuals from the LGBTQ+ community could congregate, establish connections, and speak up against inequities, Twitter is presently witnessing a growing reluctance among users to engage with the platform.

PinkNews has reached out to Sprinklr for their comment.