Under Elon Musk, ‘Black Twitter’ turns to humor to mourn Twitter

• The Twitter network ‘Black Twitter’ finds humor in the possibility of the end to the unofficial community.
• As many people leave Twitter, black users are sharing their jokes and paying tributes. 
• Non-Black users also chime in to credit Twitter’s success to Black Twitter network.

“Black Twitter”, an online community, has been through a pandemic, periods of social injustice and several turbulent elections. Elon Musk may be the last straw. 

Some users have taken to Twitter in the wake of Musk’s takeover. expressed uncertaintyWhether they plan to stay active on the site as trolls and misinformation run rampant. For the corner of Twitter known affectionately as Black Twitter, many are relying on comedy — as they have time and time again in times of turbulence — to mourn the loss of the social media platform as they know it. 

For the uninitiated: Black Twitter is the unofficial online network of Black Twitter users. Although it isn’t an official organization with designated representatives it has shown it can provide comedic relief to Twitter, initiate important conversations and promote social change on Twitter during difficult times.

And while some Black users expressed that they feel the network is now threatened by Twitter’s trial-and-error period, with Musk experimenting with sweeping changes to the platform, it hasn’t stopped many from having a few laughs on the way out. 

—local m.s. hottie (@Social_Twerker) November 10, 2022

—Sylvia (@SylviaObell) November 11, 2022

Many also credited Black Twitter’s success online. Many even promised to follow Black Twitter users if they left Twitter for another platform.

“I’m waiting for Black Twitter’s decision on the next app they will make successful.” user Rafael Shimunov wrote.

While comedy was a popular theme in tributes to the informal social network, others highlighted Black Twitter’s cultural impact beyond the app.

—Shanita Hubbard (@msshanitarenee) November 11, 2022

As celebrities and companies alike make deactivate their accountsThe future of Twitter is in jeopardy. After trolls used the feature, Musk’s $8 paid verification was widely criticized. impersonate public figures.

Although the future of the site is uncertain, Musk’s continuing blunders have helped to create platforms. like Mastodon experience user growth.