Chapter 1: The Unraveling of Twitter Under Musk

It wouldn’t surprise me if there comes a day soon when the Twitter app fails to load when we tap its icon. Since Elon Musk took the helm of the platform, he has encountered a series of blunders that reveal his limited understanding of the company he acquired for a staggering $44 billion. While every large entity has its complexities and hidden knowledge, this chaos stems not from that but rather from Musk's apparent obsession with personal popularity on the site. His demands for engineers to amplify his tweets suggest that gaining traction on the platform is a priority for him. This fixation on personal image, as evidenced by his interactions with former employees and his controversial remarks about disabilities, has resulted in a tumultuous atmosphere at Twitter. His subsequent apologies, likely prompted by legal advisors, highlight a lack of self-regulation and foresight in his leadership style. This leads me to ponder: Is Elon Musk truly okay?

I have my doubts. His frequent ego-driven missteps on Twitter showcase him as a significant blunderer, which undoubtedly impacts his already inflated self-image. While some of the situations have been amusing, the prevailing tone is one of embarrassment. A recent announcement regarding the verification process at Twitter underscored this: “Starting April 1st, we will begin phasing out our legacy verification program, removing old verified checkmarks. To maintain your blue checkmark, you can subscribe to Twitter Blue.” Originally, Twitter's verification was designed to reduce impersonation and help users identify credible sources. Now, with the introduction of Twitter Blue, anyone can claim to be "verified." A notable incident involving an impersonating account that falsely claimed Eli Lilly would provide free insulin caused significant harm, demonstrating a lack of foresight on Musk's part.

With the new monetized verification, a hate account with just 30 followers holds the same status as a well-established journalist’s account. This shift has devalued the once-coveted blue checkmark, transforming it into something akin to a scarlet letter, as many users mock those who pay for it. Although Twitter Blue posts may gain algorithmic favor, many legacy verified users are reluctant to pay for ridicule. Additionally, there are applications designed to block Twitter Blue subscribers en masse. The platform is losing money rapidly, and Musk's attempts to force users into a subscription model they dislike are backfiring. The absurdity of the situation is almost comical, with the end of Twitter’s legacy verification program coinciding with April Fool’s Day.

Chapter 2: The Cult of Musk's Genius

One of the most perplexing aspects of Musk’s chaotic leadership at Twitter is how steadfastly his supporters cling to their faith in his so-called "genius." Despite his frequent missteps, many believe he is engaging in a form of three-dimensional chess that the rest of us simply cannot comprehend. Musk often revels in the adulation from his followers, who bolster his ego and report on his detractors. This environment allows his grand ambitions to thrive. However, with time, it has become evident that Musk is neither the most intelligent nor the most fascinating individual. The tech media's adulation has created a mythos around him that his followers refuse to challenge, even in the face of evidence to the contrary.

Reflecting on his previous ventures, it appears that Musk's successes were largely due to the skilled professionals who executed the heavy lifting behind the scenes, coupled with a shroud of mystery that has dissipated since he began live-tweeting his governance of Twitter. The extensive layoffs and his performance of being "hardcore" have come at a significant cost, particularly in terms of lost institutional knowledge. Much of Musk's blundering could have been avoided had he heeded the advice of capable team members. But it seems that winning on Twitter and maintaining an image of cleverness and toughness took precedence over responsible management. The current trajectory suggests that mismanagement will persist as Musk attempts to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation.

This video discusses the implications of Musk's Twitter rants on stock prices and public perception, exploring whether his recent behavior raises concerns about his capability as a leader.

In this video, experts analyze whether Musk has crossed a line with his actions and decisions at Twitter, questioning the sustainability of his leadership style.