Questioning X’s Usage Data: A Critical Analysis

Over the weekend, X made headlines again, this time due to the alleged attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life. The ensuing conversations on the app were intense, but a closer look at the reported usage data raises some red flags. X owner Elon Musk boasted of a new “record high” in app usage, with global user-seconds reaching 417 billion in a single day. However, upon scrutiny, the numbers don’t seem to add up.

Musk’s announcement of 93 billion user seconds in the U.S. alone translates to an average of 15.5 minutes per user, assuming 100 million American users. While these figures may seem impressive at first glance, they pale in comparison to X’s previous claims of users spending 30 minutes per day on the app on average. This raises questions about the accuracy of the reported data and whether X may have made errors in its past reporting.

At the core of the issue is the lack of transparency in X’s reporting. The confusing and contradictory nature of the usage numbers makes it difficult to decipher the true reach and resonance among X users. Advertisers, in particular, rely on accurate data to make informed decisions about their marketing strategies. However, X’s data falls short in providing meaningful insights into user engagement and preferences.

If X truly aims to be transparent, as Musk claims, it must address the discrepancies in its usage data. Publishing full usage data, including detailed user metrics, would enable a more thorough analysis of its performance. By allowing for broader scrutiny, X can demonstrate a commitment to accountability and provide advertisers with the clarity they need to make informed decisions.

The reported usage data from X raises more questions than answers. The lack of consistency, transparency, and clarity in the numbers undermines the credibility of the platform’s performance claims. Moving forward, X must prioritize accuracy and accountability in its reporting to regain trust and provide advertisers with the insights they need to effectively reach users on the app.