Twitter’s Iconic Bird Logo Moved Out by “X”
Just when you thought you’d read, heard, or seen all you could about the ups, downs, and changes to Twitter—something else happens. The Twitter birdie has taken flight to be replaced by an “X” symbol. This radical change to a familiar image symbolizes and only hints at the inner workings, now and in the future.
Twitter’s transformation to “X”
Some are calling this change a rebranding. Others, such as Oliver Darcy at CNN, states that Elon Musk has officially killed Twitter, and that “X” is a “zombie platform” and a shell of what it once was. (Considering how Twitter has fallen out of favor with so many users in recent months, that may not be saying much.) Could this have been a reaction to Mark Zuckerberg and Meta’s recent launch of Threads, a social media app that’s very much like “the old Twitter”? Threads gained millions of downloads shortly after its initial launch. And many of those who downloaded and enthusiastically started using Threads were Twitter followers at one time.
What then, will distinguish “X” as a social media platform?
What is “X” about?
In a statement to The New York Times, Linda Yaccarino, Chief Executive of Twitter, described the purpose of this new platform:
“X” is a term for what Mr. Musk has described as an “everything app” that could combine social media, instant messaging and payment services, akin to the popular Chinese app WeChat.
Ms. Yaccarino has also stated that the “X” platform will be at the forefront of “unlimited interactivity” which will impact everything from audio and video to banking and financial transactions. The platform will ultimately connect everyone and everything. But this is not necessarily a good thing…
The dark side of “X”
At a time where transparency and online privacy are top priorities—especially in social media—“X” may be regarded as a platform that is downright rebellious. The CNN article points out that “X” does not require identity verification. Additionally, there are no set rules and content monitoring does not exist. If these points are true, the potential misuses and spread of misinformation is frightening. Indeed, NBC News has reported on wild conspiracy theories that have no evidence to support them. To top this off (among other negative points) the features of this altered version of Twitter often don’t function properly. Yes, it may be an “everything app”—for bad as well as good content (not to mention intent). And there are other problems on the horizon…
What’s in a name? A lot…
Musk’s choice of the letter “X” to replace Twitter has opened up a floodgate of potential lawsuits, or, as phrased by CNBC: “legal hot water.” That’s because other companies—including Microsoft and Meta—currently own trademarks for Twitter’s new name. (This is ironic, considering Musk’s initial move to sue Zuckerberg over the similarities that Threads had when compared to Twitter.)
More answers—and more drama—will follow. Whatever happens, EGC will keep you posted.
Find out how we can help your brand on social media. The account, creative, and social media teams at EGC can organize and create campaigns to promote brand messaging that is accurate, transparent—and unique.