FRANKFURT. Goethe University has joined more than 60 other German-speaking universities, science and research institutions, who, in response to developments on the social media platform, have together decided to discontinue their activities on X (formerly Twitter). To engage in meaningful communication, such institutions require an environment in which discourse takes place in a fact-oriented, transparent and democratic manner, with respect for diversity, freedom and openmindedness. The only way for them to contribute to such discourse is if the platform mechanisms allow it. This is no longer the case on X.
Since being taken over by Elon Musk, not only have X's reach and interaction rate seen a steady decline. The platform’s algorithm has also been manipulated to favor content that corresponds to its owner's worldview. X has evolved from a place of constructive exchange into a tool used for disinformation. Studies and observations document that the platform deliberately discriminates against democratic voices. Evidence of meddling in democratic processes in the USA gives rise to fears of similar developments in Europe. These and other changes make X’s continued use unacceptable for institutions committed to fact-based knowledge and democratic values.
Scientific, factual and fact-based communication does not have it easy on other social networks either; dealing with their mechanisms in a meaningful way poses a daily challenge for anyone involved in science communication. However, whereas on LinkedIn or Instagram, for example, they can counteract this with well-founded, fact-based content, at X, the owner’s corporate policy is aimed precisely at making such content invisible.
Goethe University recommends that all its faculties, affiliated institutes and facilities, as well as the researchers and scientists employed by the university check whether they still consider an account on X to be useful. The social media team of the Office of PR and Communication, part of the University’s Executive Office, will be happy to advise you both on this and/or in the search for alternatives. The university itself operates accounts on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube, and is examining whether a presence on other platforms such as Bluesky, Mastodon or Threads makes sense.
The universities involved in this coordinated exit will leave their X accounts in a “frozen” state – i.e. without active content, but still visible, also in order to prevent the misuse of their account names by third parties.
The universities know of many scientific and science-related organizations that are currently considering similar steps and would be pleased if others followed their example.
The following universities and institutions of higher learning are part of the joint campaign:
The joint press release issued by all participating universities/institutions is available here in German: http://n.idwf.de/845520 .