Twitter (X) Under Elon Musk and Political Polarization Among University Students

Abstract

Political Polarization has been increasing in prevalence within the last couple of decades, with social media being frequently blamed for its rise. This study examines the use of the social media app X, formally known as Twitter, and whether it correlates to increasing political polarization among university students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The study was conducted within the context of the 2024 Presidential Election and after the enacted policy changes after Elon Musk’s purchase of the app in 2022. Data collection was performed by sending out a survey through email to students at MTSU with the survey gathering a total of 83 student responses (N = 83). The results demonstrated that MTSU students who have used Twitter (X) within the past year displayed greater levels of political polarization with polarization occurring more among participants who politically align on the Left/Liberal.