X and Grok 2: 🌊 Rowing Against the Tide in AI and the Mass Exodus from the Social Network
🎄 OpenAI announces an ambitious holiday advent. It aims for 1 billion users by 2025, plans to introduce ads in ChatGPT to become the next Google, and faces copyright lawsuits in Canada 🌍
At a time when the journalistic community seems to be retreating en masse from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, I have decided to swim against the tide. I’ve become a premium user. While many media outlets, journalists, and institutions are abandoning this social network due to its controversial algorithm, promotion of hate speech, and perceived negative impact on politics and misinformation, I’ve chosen to dive deeper into its ecosystem.
My decision is not born out of rebellion but curiosity. After 17 years on X, with over 46,000 posts and having been an indispensable tool for my work and professional activities, this platform remains a cornerstone for me. Twitter once showed sensitivity towards the Catalan language, and its evolution now leads me to explore one of its most promising offerings: Grok 2 (beta), the AI assistant developed by Elon Musk’s xAI.
Grok, integrated into X for premium users, has been a revelation. As a frequent user of ChatGPT and MidJourney, I initially had doubts about what Grok could offer. However, my experience so far has been surprisingly satisfying. The speed, versatility, and capabilities of this AI, coupled with seamless integration in the app, make it a competitive tool.
Grok: Politically Incorrect and Provocative
Unlike other AIs, Grok presents itself as a less restrictive, even politically incorrect tool compared to ChatGPT or MidJourney. This approach might be controversial but also opens up a broader range of creative and functional possibilities. In a landscape where self-censorship in AIs is a recurring concern, Grok offers a distinct and, at times, provocative experience.
Furthermore, Elon Musk’s influence suggests a promising future for this AI. Backed by Musk’s ambitious vision and multiple projects, Grok seems poised to solidify its position as a strong competitor in the AI field.
X: Between Controversy and Opportunity
The controversy surrounding X’s algorithm—accused of favoring Donald Trump, the far right, and misinformation—is undeniable. However, I firmly believe that abandoning this “trench” is not the solution. The withdrawal of journalists and media from this social network won’t make these issues disappear; it will only leave the space open for others to fill.
Becoming a premium user of X is, for me, an opportunity to understand how this platform evolves and how AI tools can transform our relationship with information. Grok 2, with its ability to generate images and deeply understand language, showcases the potential of these technologies.
Since January 2008, X has been a crucial part of my career. I’ve witnessed its evolution, from its early days to becoming a global platform. Its sensitivity towards Catalan, the 46,000 posts I’ve shared, and its impact on my daily life as a journalist reinforce my connection to this social network. Now, as a premium user, I can experience firsthand the new features it offers and share my discoveries through Transparent Algorithm.
X is not perfect, but abandoning it is not the answer. As long as there is an opportunity to build and improve, I will be there, rowing against the tide.
My decision to pay for X is not an endorsement of its policies or algorithm. It is a commitment to innovation and the search for tools that enrich my work. Grok 2 is just the beginning of a journey to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance creativity, efficiency, and analysis in journalism.
I invite my readers to join me on this journey. Through my newsletter, I will continue to analyze the impact of AI, not just from its technological advances but also from the ethical and social implications it brings. Understanding these tools is key to leveraging them effectively while keeping a critical eye on how they shape public discourse.